What Kind of Snakes Are in Florida?

Florida is home to about 50 different species of snakes. Although many people fear these legless reptiles, snakes play a beneficial role in the state's ecosystem, helping control populations of small rodents, rabbits, insects and other animals. Learning about and identifying Florida's snakes is the best way to live peacefully with these reptiles.

  1. Most Common

    • The Black Racer is one of the most common snakes in Florida. It is a nonvenomous snake that grows between 20 and 56 inches. Found throughout most of the state, the Black Racer eats lizards, insects, frogs, small insects and even other snakes. Black Racers are uniformly black with a white patch on the underside of the chin. Another snake with an abundant population in Florida is the Eastern Coachwhip snake. These brown snakes are 50 to 72 inches long and are found in pine and palmetto flatwoods throughout the state, except the Keys. They are known for their fast speed.

    Poisonous Snakes

    • Only six species of snakes in Florida are poisonous. The Southern Copperhead, found in the panhandle from the Apalachicola River westward, is common in swamps. Its bite is not often life-threatening. The Florida Cottonmouth is found throughout the state but is not often encountered. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Also found throughout the state but much more rare is the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake. If you do see one, keep your distance. More common is the Canebrake rattlesnake, found in northern Florida. Other species of poisonous snakes found in Florida include the colorful Eastern Coral snake and the Dusky Pygmy rattlesnake.

    Threatened Snakes

    • The small Florida Brown snake, which reaches only 10 inches, is one species of Florida snake that is threatened. Feeding mainly on insects and worms, the Brown snake's population is declining. The Short-Tailed snake is another threatened species. Also quite small, reaching up to 20 inches, it is found only in north central Florida, west of the St. Johns River. It is thought that the snake only eats the Florida Crowned snake. Due to development, its habitat is being destroyed.

    Living With Snakes

    • If you see a snake in your yard, the safest thing to do is leave it alone. Because most of Florida's snakes are nonvenomous, it likely poses no threat to you or your family. Most snakes are not aggressive and they will flee if they see you. Most snakes will not bite you unless you attempt to handle them or kill them. If you must remove a venomous snake from your property, lay a large trashcan down on its side and sweep the snake in with a long broom. Once the snake is inside, lift the can upright and place the lid on it. Release the snake somewhere away from other people.