Florida has 6 venomous snakes named by official sources: Eastern or Harlequin Coralsnake, Florida Cottonmouth, Eastern Copperhead, Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake or Canebrake Rattlesnake and Pygmy Rattlesnake, as labelled by FWC. This guide covers 10 animal groups from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) lists and other official sources, with photos, venomous status and when each group is active.
Identification help has limits: a photo cannot confirm that an animal is safe. Watch from a distance and never handle a wild animal.
These are the animals official sources describe as venomous or as a risk to people in Florida, across 7 groups. The reason is given in the source's own terms.
Venomous: “Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky …”
Venomous: “Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky …”
Venomous: “Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky …”
Venomous: “Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky …”
Venomous: “Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky …”
Venomous: “Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky …”
Poisonous to animals that bite or eat it, including pets: “The skin-gland secretions of cane toads (called bufotoxin) are highly toxic and can sicken or even kill animals that bite or feed on them, including native animals and domestic pets …”
Toxic skin secretions irritate the eyes and nose of people and the mouths of pets that bite them: “Cuban treefrog secretions are extremely irritating to the mucous membranes of mammals, especially humans.”
Venomous: “Venoms that attack the central nervous system, or neurotoxins (e.g., black and brown widow spiders, bark scorpions, certain ticks, Hymenoptera, wheel bugs).”
Venomous: “Venoms that attack the central nervous system, or neurotoxins (e.g., black and brown widow spiders, bark scorpions, certain ticks, Hymenoptera, wheel bugs).”
Venomous: “Venoms that attack the central nervous system, or neurotoxins (e.g., black and brown widow spiders, bark scorpions, certain ticks, Hymenoptera, wheel bugs).”
One of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States: “…the puss caterpillar, which is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States”
Can seriously harm or kill people, though injuries in Florida are rare: “Even though they are typically quiet and shy animals, they have the potential to seriously harm or kill people.”
Venomous: “Use care when handling lionfish, as they have up to 18 venomous spines on their dorsal, pelvic and anal fins that can cause painful stings.”
Second only to the white shark in attacks on humans worldwide: “Tiger sharks are second only to the Great White shark in the number of attacks on humans worldwide.”
Considered dangerous: “Considered to be dangerous, ranking seventh in unprovoked attacks on humans (often confused with more abundant Scalloped Hammerhead shark).”
Defensive venomous barb near the base of the tail: “Non-aggressive species of little danger to humans except for their defensive venomous barb located near the base of the tail.”
Stinging cells: “The stings of some jellyfish can be quite painful, causing reactions ranging from mild rashes to death (in extreme allergic-reaction instances.)”
45 nonnative animals are named on Florida's official lists (FWC). The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database records 14 nonnative animals in our groups with an established population in Florida.
Darker cells are the months with more open-licence observation records of each group in Florida (GBIF). They show when people see and record these animals, not how many there are. The current month, this month, is highlighted.
Report: Report nonnative animals to the FWC Invasive Species Hotline 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681); FWC asks the public to call the Hotline for high-priority species: all nonnative snakes, monitor lizards and tegus. Other nonnative species can be reported via the IveGot1 app or IveGot1.org. Alligator or crocodile concerns: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). FWC
Official safety advice
If you see a snake, stand back and observe it; leave venomous snakes alone. FWC
Even a venomous snake in the woods or crossing the road poses no threat and should be left alone. FWC
Poison control hotline for snakebite and other venom exposures: 1-800-222-1222 (call 911 in an emergency). UF/IFAS Extension
Never feed an alligator, keep your distance, swim only in designated areas in daylight, keep pets leashed and away from water. FWC
If you are concerned about an alligator or crocodile, call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). FWC
Questions people ask about Florida wildlife
Are there alligators in Florida?
Yes. Alligators live in Florida marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes and are found in all 67 counties; serious injuries are rare. FWC · More
Are there crocodiles in Florida?
Yes. American crocodiles live mainly in south Florida and the Keys in brackish and saltwater areas; the Florida population is federally threatened. FWC · More
Are there venomous snakes in Florida?
Yes. Six of Florida's 44 snake species (FWC count) are venomous: eastern coral snake, southern copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake and dusky pygmy rattlesnake. FWC
Are there rattlesnakes in Florida?
Yes. Three: eastern diamondback, timber (canebrake) and pygmy rattlesnakes. FWC · More
Not established. UF/IFAS: no scientific evidence that any recluse spider is established in Florida; there have been occasional interceptions. UF/IFAS Extension
Are there black widow spiders in Florida?
Yes. Florida has four widow spiders: southern black, brown, northern black and red widow. UF/IFAS Extension · More
Are there scorpions in Florida?
Yes. Several scorpion species occur in Florida; UF/IFAS says none can inflict a lethal sting. UF/IFAS Extension · More
Are there sharks in Florida?
Yes. Bull, tiger, blacktip and other sharks live in Florida waters; bites are extremely unlikely. FWC
Are there bears in Florida?
Yes. The Florida black bear lives in seven separated subpopulations throughout Florida. FWC · More
Are there coyotes in Florida?
Yes. Coyotes have been documented in all 67 Florida counties. FWC · More
Are there cane toads in Florida?
Yes. Cane toads are found in central and south Florida, generally south of the I-4 corridor; they are poisonous to pets. FWC
Are there lionfish in Florida?
Yes. Lionfish can be found year-round in Florida waters and have venomous spines. FWC
Living with Snakes. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured June 16, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (3)
“Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy rattlesnake.”
“What should you do when you come upon a snake? Just stand back and observe it.”
“Even a venomous snake in the woods or crossing the road poses no threat and should be left alone.”
“This checklist identifies the 99 species of wild mammals currently found in Florida, 11 of which have been introduced or recently expanded their range into the state.”
“The only spiders native to or established in Florida with medically significant venom are the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.).”
“Widow spiders have medically significant venom, meaning people may require medical care if bitten”
“There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that any recluse spider is established in Florida”
“The widow spiders found in Florida include the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans), the brown widow (L. geometricus), the northern black widow (L. variolus), and the red widow (L. bishopi)”
Cane Toad (species profile). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured October 13, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (3)
“The skin-gland secretions of cane toads (called bufotoxin) are highly toxic and can sicken or even kill animals that bite or feed on them, including native animals and domestic pets. The skin secretions may irritate the skin or burn the eyes of people who handle them.”
“Cane toads are currently found in central and south Florida, generally south of the I-4 corridor.”
“Cane toads breed year-round in standing water, streams, canals and ditches.”
WEC218 The Cuban Treefrog in Florida. UF/IFAS Extension (EDIS). Original publication date May 2007; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“Cuban treefrog secretions are extremely irritating to the mucous membranes of mammals, especially humans.”
“Scorpion venom is a neurotoxin, but the dose injected usually is insufficient to prove fatal to an adult human. None of the several species of scorpions that occur in Florida is capable of inflicting a lethal sting.”
“Venoms that attack the central nervous system, or neurotoxins (e.g., black and brown widow spiders, bark scorpions, certain ticks, Hymenoptera, wheel bugs).”
“Venoms that produce blisters, or vesicating toxins (e.g., blister beetles, certain stinging caterpillars, millipedes).”
“Death can occur within one hour after the person has been stung by a Hymenopteran (bees, fire ants, wasps, yellow jackets, or hornets).”
“None of the several species of scorpions that occur in Florida is capable of inflicting a lethal sting.”
“Even though they are typically quiet and shy animals, they have the potential to seriously harm or kill people.”
Bats and Rabies. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured May 12, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (2)
“Bats do carry rabies, and are one of the primary vectors for rabies exposure in the United States.”
“However, any mammal is capable of carrying rabies, and in Florida, foxes and raccoons have a higher incidence of rabies than bats do.”
Atlantic Stingray (FWRI ray species). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured January 21, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (1)
“Non-aggressive species of little danger to humans except for their defensive venomous barb located near the base of the tail.”
“Considered to be dangerous, ranking seventh in unprovoked attacks on humans (often confused with more abundant Scalloped Hammerhead shark).”
Blacktip Shark (FWRI shark species). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured February 11, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (2)
“Has been implicated in attacks on bathers.”
“Migrates southward and into deeper coastal waters during winter months.”
Jellyfish (species profile). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured June 9, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (1)
“The stings of some jellyfish can be quite painful, causing reactions ranging from mild rashes to death (in extreme allergic-reaction instances.)”
Species Not Native to Florida. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured September 9, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (8)
“Burmese Python Python molurus”
“Northern African Python Python sebae”
“Argentine Black and White Tegu Salvator merianae”
“Yellow Anaconda Eunectes notaeus”
“Reticulated Python Python reticulatus”
“Peter's Rock Agama Agama picticauda”
“Green Anaconda Eunectes murinus”
“Green Iguana Iguana iguana”
Report Nonnative Species. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured October 25, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (1)
“You can call the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681) to report nonnative animals. We ask the public to call the Hotline to report high priority species, which include all nonnative snakes, monitor lizards, and tegus.”
Living with Alligators. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured October 25, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (3)
“Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties.”
“Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water.”
“…if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.”
American Crocodile. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured September 5, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (1)
“American crocodiles live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean and occur at the northern end of their range in south Florida and the Keys.”
“It is extremely unlikely for a person to be bitten by a shark in Florida waters, and bites are rarely life threatening.”
“Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.”
Terrestrial Mammals (FWRI research). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured January 15, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (1)
“…the subspecies currently lives in seven separated subpopulations throughout Florida”
Living with Coyotes. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). archived copy, captured September 15, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Archived copy. Quoted passages (1)
“Coyotes are found throughout Florida, having been documented in all 67 Florida counties.”
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