Florida is home to approximately 44 native snake species, thriving across the state’s varied ecosystems. These reptiles inhabit diverse environments, from coastal mangroves to freshwater wetlands and dry uplands, and can be found in residential areas. The vast majority of species are harmless and play a vital role in controlling rodent populations.
Florida’s Venomous Snakes
Florida is home to six venomous snake species: five pit vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads) and the Eastern Coral Snake, an elapid. Pit vipers possess heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is North America’s largest venomous snake, reaching up to 8 feet. It has distinct diamond-shaped markings on a brown, yellow, or gray background, and a prominent tail rattle. Found throughout Florida in pine flatwoods and dry woodlands, it coils, raises its head, and rattles its tail as a warning when threatened.
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a large, heavy-bodied snake, typically 36-60 inches long. Its body is pinkish-gray or tan with large, black, chevron-like crossbands and often a reddish-brown stripe down the back. The tail is black and ends in a rattle. Primarily found in northern Florida, it prefers damp bottomlands, hardwood hammocks, and pine flatwoods.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) is a smaller species, under 2 feet long. It has a gray body with rounded black blotches and a rusty stripe down the back. It possesses a tiny rattle. These snakes are found in various habitats, including pine flatwoods and prairies.
The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as Water Moccasin, is a heavy-bodied snake averaging 2-4 feet long. Adults are dark, ranging from olive to black, with or without visible crossbands, and have a broad, triangular head. Juveniles are lighter with distinct reddish-brown bands and a yellow tail tip. Semi-aquatic, they are found near wetlands and waterways throughout Florida, often displaying a white mouth interior when threatened.
The Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) is recognized by its distinct pattern of red, yellow, and black rings, with red and yellow rings touching. This slender snake is smaller than other venomous species. Coral snakes are reclusive, spending much time underground or under leaf litter.
The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is rare in Florida, primarily found in the panhandle. It has a distinctive hourglass pattern of reddish-brown crossbands on a lighter background. Copperheads are found in forested areas, especially near rocky outcrops or woodpiles.
Identifying Common Non-Venomous Snakes
Florida hosts numerous non-venomous snake species, many frequently encountered and sometimes mistaken for venomous counterparts. These harmless snakes contribute to ecosystem health by consuming rodents and insects.
The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a slender, fast-moving snake up to 6 feet long. Adults are uniformly black with a white chin and throat; juveniles have reddish-brown blotches on a gray body that fade with age. Racers are diurnal and commonly seen in urbanized areas, raising their head to scan surroundings. They flee when approached but may strike if cornered.
The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a medium-sized snake known for its striking orange, red, and brown blotches bordered in black, on a lighter background. It has a spear-shaped pattern on its head. These snakes are found in wooded areas, abandoned buildings, and agricultural fields, where they prey on rodents.
The Florida King Snake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) reaches 3-4 feet, with variable brown to yellow coloration. It features yellowish crossbands down its back with a chain-like pattern along the sides, and has smooth, shiny scales. Florida King Snakes are constrictors that feed on rodents, birds, and other snakes, including venomous species.
Garter Snakes (Thamnophis spp.) are common throughout Florida, identified by three thin, light-colored stripes running the length of their bodies, often on a black, brown, or gray background. These stripes can be yellow, green, brown, blue, or white, sometimes with a checkerboard pattern between them. Garter snakes are slender, 18-26 inches long, and found in diverse habitats, including backyards and moist grassy areas.
The Florida Green Water Snake (Nerodia floridana) is a heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake often confused with the venomous Cottonmouth. It is olive to dark brown with indistinct darker blotches, and its eyes are visible from above with round pupils. Unlike cottonmouths, water snakes lack a facial pit and have round pupils. They are found in aquatic environments across Florida.
The Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) is a small, thin snake, 9-15 inches long, that is tannish-brown. It may have a light stripe down its back bordered by small black spots. These secretive snakes are found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter in residential areas and moist habitats.
Living Safely Alongside Snakes
When encountering a snake in Florida, observe it from a distance and allow it to move away naturally. Snakes prefer to avoid human interaction and flee if given the opportunity. Never attempt to handle, harass, or harm a snake, as this significantly increases the risk of being bitten.
To make yards less appealing to snakes, reduce potential habitats and food sources. Clear debris like brush, lumber, and leaf piles to remove hiding spots for snakes and their prey. Control rodent populations by securing trash, cleaning up spilled birdseed, and managing pet food scraps, which discourages snakes from settling.
Florida snakes are not inherently aggressive and do not actively chase people. Bites occur when snakes feel threatened or are intentionally provoked. If a snake is found inside a home or in a dangerous location, contact professional snake removal services or animal control rather than attempting personal removal. Professionals can relocate the snake.
Snakes play an important role in Florida’s natural environment, contributing to ecosystem balance by controlling pest populations. Understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures allows for peaceful coexistence with these native reptiles.