Non-Poisonous Snakes of Florida

While Florida does have its share of poisonous snakes, many snakes in the state are of the non-poisonous variety. These snakes range from common backyard snakes to snakes known to inhabit the many bodies of water found in Florida. The ability to distinguish between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes can help ensure you know which snakes to stay away from.

  1. Florida Brown Snake

    • The Florida brown snake is a common backyard snake found throughout the state and the upper keys. The Florida brown snake ranges from 7 to 10 inches in length. It feeds on earthworms, slugs and small fish. The status (as of 2011) is threatened, which means the snake is found in limited numbers, typically near hardwood hammocks, pinelands, marshes, ponds and swamps.

    Florida Red-Bellied Snake

    • The Florida red-bellied snake is found throughout the Panhandle and northern part of the peninsula. The average size of this snake is 8 to 12 inches. The diet of the Florida red-bellied snake is slugs, snails and earthworms. They are likely to be found in many of the same areas as the brown snake, but less commonly spotted.

    Southern Ringneck

    • The southern ringneck is a small, smooth snake with an orange or yellow band around its neck, incapable of biting a human because its mouth won't open wide enough. Even if it could bite you, the southern ringneck is non-venomous. The ringneck ranges from 6 to 10 inches in length and can be found everywhere in Florida, except for the Keys. What distinguishes this ringneck from other species is the orange or yellow underside as opposed to gray. These snakes are often found in debris, under logs or leaves.

    Florida Watersnake

    • The Florida watersnake is frequently killed because it resembles a cottonmouth. The Florida watersnake is dark and banded and is non-poisonous. These snakes are found around swamps, bogs, ponds and rivers.

    Common Snakes

    • The most common snake in Florida is the black snake. Other types of snakes found in Florida that can be found elsewhere include the garden snake, Hog-nosed snakes and Mud snakes.