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. Each one is labelled venomous by FWC.
The 6 venomous snakes of Florida
Recognize them from a distance; a photo cannot confirm that a snake is safe. Identifying animals safely.
“Copperhead bites are extremely painful but rarely life-threatening for healthy adults and for most large or medium-sized pets.” Florida Museum of Natural History
Size
Adults usually about 2 to 3 feet (24-36 in); record about 53 inches.
How to recognize it
Vertical (cat-like) pupils and a heat-sensing pit between eye and nostril
Heavy-bodied; keeled scales
Head shape alone is not a reliable way to identify copperheads
Where in Florida
In Florida, copperheads occur only in the Panhandle, primarily in the western tip and along the Apalachicola River and its tributaries … Florida Museum of Natural History
What the sources say
Venom: “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.” (FWC)
Range: In Florida, copperheads occur only in the Panhandle, primarily in the western tip and along the Apalachicola River and its tributaries. The herpetology collection at the Florida Museum contains verified records from Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. The range may extend to other nearby areas, but there are no confirmed records from other Florida counties.
Habitat: The Eastern Copperhead's preferred habitats in Florida are upland pine and hardwood forests with abundant leaf litter and in forests adjacent to low, wet areas boarding swamps, stream beds, river bottoms, and damp ravines. Large logs and piles of debris and rocks are often used as shelters. This species is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. (Florida Museum of Natural History)
“The Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is a large and impressive snake, and bites can be very dangerous to people and pets.” Florida Museum of Natural History
Size
Most adults 33 to 72 inches (about 3 to 6 feet); record 99 inches.
How to recognize it
Light-bordered dark stripe running diagonally through each eye
Tail ends in a rattle, often held above the ground
Cat-like vertical pupil and a deep heat-sensing pit between nostril and eye
Venom: “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.” (FWC)
Range: Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes are found throughout Florida and in every county. They also occur on many nearshore islands including many of the Florida Keys and several islands in the Gulf of Mexico in Levy (e.g., Cedar Keys) and Franklin (e.g., Dog, St. George, and St. Vincent islands) counties.
Habitat: Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes are often found in pine flatwoods, longleaf pine and turkey oak hammocks, sand pine scrub areas, and coastal barrier islands. These habitats contain palmetto thickets and gopher tortoise burrows in which these rattlesnakes may seek refuge. This species is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. (Florida Museum of Natural History)
“Bites from Harlequin Coralsnakes can be very dangerous to people and pets, but bites from this species are extremely rare.” Florida Museum of Natural History
Where in Florida
Harlequin Coralsnakes are found throughout Florida and in every county. They also occur on Key Largo in the Northern Florida Keys. Florida Museum of Natural History
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70 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “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.” (FWC)
Habitat: Harlequin Coralsnakes occupy a variety of habitats, from dry, well–drained flatwoods and scrub areas to low, wet hammocks and the borders of swamps. They are secretive and are usually found under debris and in the ground. Occasionally they are found in the open, and they have even been seen climbing the trunks of live oaks. This species is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. (Florida Museum of Natural History)
Venom: “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.” (FWC)
Range: Cottonmouths are found throughout Florida and in every county. They also occur on many nearshore islands including the Upper Florida Keys and several islands in the Gulf of Mexico in Levy (e.g., Cedar Keys) and Franklin (e.g., Dog, St. George, and St. Vincent islands) counties.
Habitat: Florida Cottonmouths can potentially be found in or near any wetlands or waterway in the state, including springs, rivers, lakes, ponds, saltmarshes, swamps, sloughs, reservoirs, retention pools, canals, and roadside ditches. These snakes often wander far from water and have occasionally been found in bushes and trees. Several of the islands they inhabit contain hydric hammock and lack permanent sources of freshwater. (Florida Museum of Natural History)
Venom: “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.” (FWC)
Range: Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnakes are found throughout Florida and in every county. They are not known to occur in the Florida Keys, but they have been found on some barrier islands (e.g., St. Vincent in Franklin county).
Habitat: Pygmy Rattlesnakes are commonly found in habitats including lowland pine flatwoods, hydric hammocks, prairies, around lakes and ponds, and along the borders of many freshwater marshes and cypress swamps. Possibly the habitat in which Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnakes are most frequently encountered, at least in southern Florida, is along the banks of canals running through marshes and prairies. This species can be locally very abundant, and it is often found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. (Florida Museum of Natural History)
“The Timber Rattlesnake is a large and impressive snake, and bites can be very dangerous to people and pets.” Florida Museum of Natural History
Size
Most adults 36 to 60 inches (3 to 5 feet); record 74.5 inches.
How to recognize it
Black tail ending in a rattle
Heat-sensing pit between nostril and eye
Large, thick head distinct from the neck; cat-like vertical pupil
Where in Florida
Timber Rattlesnakes have a limited range in Florida and are found in only 12 counties in northern Florida … Florida Museum of Natural History
What the sources say
Venom: “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.” (FWC)
Range: Timber Rattlesnakes have a limited range in Florida and are found in only 12 counties in northern Florida. The range may extend to other nearby areas, but there are no confirmed records from other Florida counties.
Habitat: Timber Rattlesnakes in Florida prefer damp bottomlands, river beds, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, swamps, fields, and cane thickets. This species is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats (Florida Museum of Natural History)
See all 55 snakes, venomous and not, on Florida snakes. FWC gives Florida 44 snake species in all; that page lists the 55 that official sources name one by one.
Snakes people confuse
Black Racer or Timber rattlesnake?
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
The Florida Museum lists it as a comparison species and marks it venomous; the guide compares photos and gives no text field mark. Florida Museum of Natural History
Black Racer or Eastern coachwhip (black variant)?
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Racers are smaller and thinner, usually have a white chin and throat, and duller black color (Florida Museum). Alabama adds that the racer is slender and fast, the indigo stout and slow, and the racer has a divided anal plate. Florida Museum of Natural History
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When venomous snakes are active in Florida
Records of snakes in Florida peak in February to June and October. They show when people record snakes, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
5,634 records of snakes in Florida by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from FWC and UF/IFAS Extension:
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
How to 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
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.”
“Non-venomous. Eastern Indigo Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets.”
“The scales on the back are smooth, and there are 17 scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round.”
“Most adult Eastern Indigo Snakes are 60-82 inches (152-213 cm) in total length, with a record length recorded of 8.6 feet (2.63 m).”
“North American Racers are smaller and they have thinner bodies. They also typically have a white chin and throat, and the black coloration of their bodies is duller.”
“Eastern Coachwhips typically have a black head and neck and a tan body and tail.”
“The neck is indistinct and the scales are smooth and shiny.”
“…the pupil is round”
“…with 19-32 white to yellowish, narrow (1.5-2.5 body scale rows) crossbands down the back”
“Most adult Eastern Kingsnakes are about 36-48 inches (90-122 cm) in total length.”
“Non-venomous. Eastern Kingsnakes are not dangerous to people or pets, but they occasionally bite to defend themselves.”
“Florida Kingsnakes have more than 34 light crossbands on the body, lightening of the black interband scales, a degenerate lateral chain-like pattern, and usually 23 scale rows at midbody.”
“Apalachicola Kingsnakes have either fewer than 26 wide crossbands with considerably lightened interbands or they are non-banded (striped or patternless).”
“Non-venomous Eastern Pinesnakes are not dangerous to people or pets, but they will readily bite to defend themselves.”
“The snout is somewhat pointed and covered by a large triangular, cone-shaped scale.”
“The scales on the body are strongly keeled (each scale has a prominent raised ridge). The pupils are round.”
“Most adult Eastern Pinesnakes are 48-66 inches (122-168 cm) in total length, with a record length recorded of 90 inches (229 cm).”
“Eastern Coachwhips have a dark brown or black head and neck that transition into a tan body and tail. They lack the enlarged triangular rostral scale, and they have smooth scales.”
“Non-Venomous. Southeastern Crowned Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets even though they do produce a mild venom that is used for subduing prey.”
“Southeastern Crowned Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets even though they do produce a mild venom that is used for subduing prey.”
“Non-Venomous Rim Rock Crowned Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets even though they likely produce a mild venom that is used for subduing prey.”
“Non-venomous. Ring-necked Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets.”
“The neck ring may be incomplete, and snakes in the Lower Florida Keys may lack a ring entirely.”
“The belly is bright yellow, orange, or red with a single row of black half-moon markings down the center.”
“Most adult Ring-necked Snakes are about 8-14 inches (21-36 cm) in total length.”
“Adults are small and slender with a black or slate gray body and a yellowish ring across the neck, which may be incomplete or missing. The belly and underside of the tail are bright yellow, orange, or red.”
“Non-venomous. Eastern Ribbonsnakes are not dangerous to people or pets, and they rarely bite to defend themselves.”
“The upper lip scales are white and unmarked. … There is a distinct white spot in front of each eye. … The body scales are keeled (each scale has a prominent raised ridge)”
“Head shape is not a reliable way to identify copperheads.”
“Copperhead bites are extremely painful but rarely life-threatening for healthy adults and for most large or medium-sized pets.”
“The alternating dark and light brown crossbands are darker, narrower, and much more numerous than those on the copperhead. The banding pattern transitions to alternating blotches about halfway down the body. The pupils are round. The sides of the face have dark vertical lines near the mouth, whereas the copperhead has no such lines on the face.”
“The large and thick head is distinct from the neck and has a light bordered dark stripe running diagonally through each eye.”
“The tail ends in a rattle, which is often held above the ground.”
“The pupil is vertically elliptical, and there is a deep facial pit organ located between the nostril and the eye.”
“The Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is a large and impressive snake, and bites can be very dangerous to people and pets.”
“Most adult Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes are about 33-72 inches (84-183 cm) in total length, with a record length recorded of 99 inches (251.5 cm).”
“The Timber Rattlesnake has black chevron-like crossbands, a reddish stripe down the middle of its back, and a black tail.”
“Therefore, it is best not to attempt to capture, harass, or harm any snake.”
“Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222”
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.”
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