Seals are not native residents of Florida, but these marine mammals are occasionally sighted in its waters and along its coastlines. While the Sunshine State is well-known for its warm, tropical climate and diverse marine life, it does not provide the typical habitat that seals require for long-term survival or breeding. These infrequent occurrences are usually the result of individual seals straying far from their usual colder northern ranges.
Seals in Florida: A Rare Occurrence
Florida’s warm, subtropical waters are unsuitable for seal populations, which thrive in colder, temperate to Arctic environments. Seals have a thick blubber layer for insulation in frigid conditions, which causes them to overheat in warmer climates. Sightings in Florida are rare, often involving young or disoriented “out-of-range” individuals that have wandered far from their normal ranges. These seals may be following cold currents or simply be lost, finding themselves in an environment that lacks conditions for their well-being. Florida does not support permanent seal colonies.
Species That Visit Florida Waters
Several seal species have been documented in Florida. The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) is among the most frequently sighted, with individuals occasionally venturing south from their usual North Atlantic habitats as far as the Carolinas. These seals inhabit inlets, harbors, and estuaries, and while not migratory in the traditional sense, some travel considerable distances.
The hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) is another species found in Florida waters. These highly migratory seals are normally found in high latitudes of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, breeding on pack ice. Juvenile hooded seals are known to wander long distances, reaching as far south as Florida and the Caribbean, especially between January and May. Gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) have also been recorded in Florida, despite their typical range extending from Canada to the northeastern United States. These sightings often involve young seals that have veered off course.
Encountering a Seal in Florida
If you encounter a seal in Florida, remember these are wild animals; observe them from a safe distance. Seals often haul out to rest, regulate body temperature, or molt, which is normal behavior. Disturbing a resting seal can prevent it from getting necessary rest, potentially harming its health.
Maintain a minimum distance of 50 yards (150 feet) from the animal. Never attempt to approach, feed, touch, or interact with the seal, as such actions can habituate the animal to humans, lead to injury, and are illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This federal law protects all marine mammals in U.S. waters from harassment, hunting, capture, or killing. If you believe a seal is injured, sick, in distress, or in an unusual location, contact NOAA Fisheries or local wildlife rescue organizations. Reporting sightings allows trained professionals to assess the animal’s condition and intervene if necessary.