It should come as no surprise that Florida is home to thousands of amazing and unusual species, given its enormous and diverse geography, which spans 65,000 square miles and 1,350 miles of coastline.
These types of snakes in Florida include over 50 kinds, of which six are poisonous.
Certain snakes are more likely to be encountered than others, even if some are elusive and seldom seen, and some are threatened with extinction.
Come along as we learn about some of Florida’s most prevalent (and non-venomous) types of snakes!
1. Dusky Pygmy RattleSnake
The dusky pygmy rattlesnake is first on our list of types of snakes in Florida. It is a smaller species that grows to a maximum length of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm).
Their coloring is exquisite; they usually have a grey body with a reddish line down their back and a line of charcoal blotches on top of it.
The dusky pygmy rattlesnake, like all rattlesnakes, is poisonous and found in every county in Florida.
They have been discovered on nearshore barrier islands outside the Florida Keys, but no sightings have been reported.
2. Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
There is no difference between the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes in Florida and those in Texas and other southern states.
Their bodies are large and thick, with a pattern like a diamond running down their sides and back. If you get too close to one, you’ll be warned by its distinctive rattle.
Diamondback rattlers are found on nearshore islands and in every county in the state.
They are among the most poisonous snakes in Florida and can reach lengths of 33-72 inches (84-183 cm).
3. Harlequin Coral Snake
The harlequin coral snake, also referred to by its more common name, “Coral Snake,” is a poisonous snake found in Florida that is sometimes mistaken for the non-venomous king snake.
These types of snakes in Florida have slender bodies with bands of black and red that alternate and are spaced out by thin yellow rings.
You can use the rhyme “red touching black, safe for Jack” to distinguish between them.
Although it doesn’t work everywhere globally, “Red touching yellow, kill a fellow” is nearly always a reliable identification in Florida.
Coral snakes typically reach 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm). They are found throughout the Florida Keys, nearshore islands, and all counties in the state.
4. Eastern Copperhead
Eastern copperheads’ tan coloring and brownish crossbands make them difficult to spot when they’re lurking in leaf litter. These snakes often reach 22–36 inches (56–91 cm).
In contrast to most other venomous types of snakes in Florida on our list, bites from copperheads rarely endanger the lives of adult humans or large dogs.
Although usually extremely unpleasant, they are more hazardous for young children and tiny animals.
The Panhandle region of Florida is home to copperheads nearly entirely, and their range extends eastward to the Apalachicola River.
5. Timber Rattlesnake
Though their bodies are pinkish to light gray, timber rattlers resemble diamondback rattlers in shape.
This is because they have broad chevron stripes on their bodies. Their enormous rattle is a warning system, and their tail is nearly black.
Timber rattlesnakes often reach 36 to 60 inches (76 to 152 cm). Although they may be able to travel further south, their range is restricted to twelve counties in northern Florida.
6. North American Racer
Racer snakes from North America are thin, black, and primarily eyed. Juveniles may have reddish blotches running down their backs and white patterns on their belly, chin, and throat.
These types of snakes in Florida often reach 20–56 inches (50–142 cm). They are found in all of Florida’s counties, the Florida Keys, and barrier islands; they are not poisonous to people.
7. Red Cornsnake
In reality, red corn snakes are orangish-brown in color, with black rings encircling red, orange, or brown markings. The rear of their heads typically has a spear-shaped design.
These non-venomous snakes typically lurk in abandoned buildings, waiting for rats to bite.
Red corn snakes typically reach lengths of 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) and are found in the Florida Keys and every Florida county.
8. Eastern Ratsnake
The color of an eastern rat snake might vary depending on the state in which it is found. Both adults and children in the panhandle typically have grey coloring with darker spots.
Adults in the Florida peninsula can have four stripes that span the length of their bodies, and they can be yellow, orange, brown, or gray.
Eastern rat snakes often reach 42–72 inches (106–183 cm).
These types of snakes are found in Florida on the panhandle, stretching eastward from Apalachicola and on the peninsula, extending as far south as Key Largo.
They reproduce with grey rat snakes in the panhandle, which significantly mixes the species.
9. The Ringneck Snake
Ringneck snakes are also on our list of Florida snake types. They are distinguished by the distinctive golden ring around their necks and thin, black, or slate-colored bodies.
While adults may not always have this, their bellies are usually bright yellow, orange, or red.
These snakes typically reach lengths of 8 to 14 inches (21 to 36 cm) and are found throughout all of Florida’s counties and the Florida Keys.
No one is at risk from the non-venomous snakes—not even kids or pets.
10. Eastern Coachwhip
Coachwhip snakes are easily recognized due to their distinctive appearance.
The rear of their body is pale tan or white, while their head and the region behind it are dark, like black or dark brown.
They bear a striking resemblance to the whips that gave them their name. Coachwhip snakes typically reach 42–60 inches (107–152 cm).
They are found in every county in Florida except the marshes close to Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Keys.
Even though these snakes can grow almost five feet long, they are not harmful to people.
11. Southern Watersnake
The thick body of the southern watersnake, also called a banded water snake, is covered in crossbands.
Thinner, lighter bands divide the large, dark bands, usually brown, black, or red.
Southern water snakes typically reach 22–42 inches (56–107 cm). They are found in all of Florida’s counties but not the Florida Keys.
Despite being fully harmless and non-venomous, these types of snakes in Florida can easily be confused for cottonmouths due to their striking resemblance in appearance.
12. Pine Woods Littersnake
These types of snakes in Florida found in pine forests are typically slender and have reddish-brown or reddish-orange bodies.
They have a dark line extending from their eyes to their mouths, and their lips and bellies are pale yellow or white.
These types of snakes in Florida typically reach lengths of 10 to 13 inches (25 to 33 cm).
They are found in the southernmost parts of the panhandle, across the state’s eastern coast, and throughout the Florida peninsula.
There is no risk to humans from the non-venomous snakes.
13. Common Garter Snake
Common garter snakes’ bodies are typically dark in color and long and slender. They can be green, brown, black, or blue.
Their bodies are characterized by three thin, distinct lines, often light in color, such as white or yellow.Â
They may also feature intricate designs, black stripes, or checkerboard patterns. A garter snake’s usual length is 18–26 inches (46–66 cm).Â
These harmless, non-venomous snakes are found nationwide and are considered extremely scarce in the Florida Keys.
14. Rough Green Snake
The vivid green color of their bodies gives rough green snakes their name.
Their bellies are yellow or tan, and they feed mostly on insects from little shrubs or bush branches where they can fit in well.
On average, a rough green snake can reach 14–33 inches (35–82 cm).
These harmless snakes can be found in all of Florida’s counties, the Florida Keys, and on barrier islands near the coast.
15. Scarlet Snake
Many times, coal snakes or scarlet kingsnakes are mistaken for scarlet snakes.
They have big blotches that resemble the rings of those other species almost exactly, rather than rings encircling their whole body.
Their bottom is white or light colored, and they have big patches of red spots around their bodies that are edged with black.
Scarlet snakes typically reach lengths of 14–20 inches (36–51 cm) and are present throughout Florida, with the exception of the Florida Keys.
They are not harmful to people or pets because they are non-venomous snakes in Florida.
16. Scarlet Kingsnake
Scarlet Kingsnakes bear a striking resemblance to poisonous coral snakes. Their slender bodies are encircled in rings that alternate between black, red, and yellow or white.
The poem above comes from the red and yellow rings on these snakes, never coming into contact.
Scarlet kingsnakes often reach 14–20 inches (36–51 cm). Every county on Florida’s mainland is home to them, and there have been two reports from the Florida Keys.
There is no risk to humans from these non-venomous snakes.
17. Gey RattleSnake
Grey rat snakes are long-bodied, primarily light gray with patches of darker gray color.
Juvenile snakes have the same color patterns as adults, and their bellies are sandy or lighter in color than their backs.
Grey rat snakes often reach 42–72 inches (106–183 cm). They are found in Florida’s panhandle, west of the Apalachicola River.
They frequently cross-pollinate with eastern rat snakes, resulting in a hybrid of the two non-venomous species.
18. Red-bellied Mudsnake
The bodies of mud snakes are thick and contain exquisite color patterns.
They have an iridescent blue glow in the sun, although their bodies are mainly glossy black, with bars of red or pink covering their bellies.
Their iris is red, and they have noticeable yellow scales, with a dark patch on their throat, mouth, nose, and chin.
Mud snakes typically reach 40–54 inches (102–137 cm).
Other than the Florida Keys, these non-venomous types of snakes are found all over Florida and are most common in slow-moving water.
19. Dekay’s Brown Snake
These extra-slender brown snakes come in various colors, from light tan to darker brown.
A line running parallel to their spine on both sides marks their spine and serves as an identifying feature.
Their head and neck are often darker than the rest of their body.
The length of a Dekay’s Brown snake ranges from 9 to 13 inches (23 to 33 cm). They are located west of the Aucilla River in the panhandle region.
They don’t pose harm to anyone because they are little and nonvenomous.
20. Brown Snake
The brown snake is next on our list of Florida snake types. Brown water snakes feature square, black, or darker brown spots on their dark brown bodies and are typically found near bodies of water.Â
They may still be mistaken for a cottonmouth or rattler, but their enormous heads make them excellent at capturing amphibians.
Brown water snakes often reach lengths of 30 to 60 inches (76 to 152 cm) and are non-venomous. They are found all across Florida’s mainland.
Small, slender, Florida-brown snakes are typically colored brown, light brown, or tan.
They have white upper lips, a lighter line running down their back, and parallel lines of dots following that line.
They have dark circles under their eyes that give them a perpetually worn-out appearance.
These types of Florida snakes often reach lengths of 9 to 13 inches (23 to 33 cm).
They are found in the Upper Florida Keys and along Florida’s east coast, north of Duval County.
21. Eastern Indigo Snake
The species of indigo snakes is huge and has stunning colors. Although they have iridescent colors ranging from blue to purple in the sunlight, most of their body is glossy black.
Juveniles have light-colored rings on their bodies, while their chins are often orange or reddish.
Eastern indigo snakes typically reach 60–82 inches (152-213 cm). Despite being classified as a vulnerable species by the state, you may find these big but non-venomous snakes around Florida.
22. Eastern Ribbonsnake
Eastern ribbon snakes have three pale stripes that run the length of their bodies, making them extraordinarily thin.
Their base color is usually darker, ranging from olive green to black. Their stripes can be blue, light green, white, yellow, or another color.
These types of snakes in Florida often reach 18–26 inches (46–66 cm). Although they can be difficult to distinguish from garter snakes, they are harmless and non-venomous.
They are found all around Florida, even in the Florida Keys.
23. Eastern Hognose
The Easter hognose snake gets its name from the appearance of an upturned nose resembling a pig’s snout.
Their broad range of color patterns, which include yellow, tan, olive, brown, gray, orange, and reddish-brown with big, dark brown, black, and irregular blotches, are displayed on their stocky bodies.
The simplest method to recognize them is by looking at their noses, although some may even be a full black or brown color.
Eastern hognose snakes typically reach 20–33 inches (51–84 cm).
They are distributed all across the mainland of Florida, and occasionally, it can be difficult to distinguish them from dusky pygmy rattlesnakes.
Aside from minor localized swelling, hognose snakes don’t pose a threat to humans despite producing a slight venom to help subdue prey.
This makes them extremely fascinating snakes. It’s why they’re regarded as nonvenomous in Florida.
They are renowned for their ability to defend themselves by pretending to be dead rather than biting humans.
They might spit themselves, throw up, spit with their mouth shut, become limp on the ground, or release an offensive stench.
24. Rainbow Snake
Most of a rainbow snake’s broad, glossy black body is shiny. When exposed to sunlight, its black scales shimmer a shade of blue.Â
They have a pink or yellow mouth, chin, and belly, and three red stripes run the length of their body. At the tip of their tail, there is a pointed scale.
Rainbow snakes often reach 27 to 48 inches (70 to 122 cm). These excellent swimmers and non-venomous snakes are primarily found in Florida’s panhandle.
25. Red-Bellied Snake
The body color of red-bellied snakes is primarily gray or reddish-brown. They are tiny and slender. Their bellies are brilliant red, and their heads are dark.
Red-bellied snakes, which are nonvenomous in Florida, are found in the Panhandle and other northern parts. They often reach lengths of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 26 cm).
26. Salt Marsh Snake
Salt marsh snakes are typically deeper in color, with hues ranging from olive green to rusty orange.
Although it may not always be present, many people have a lighter-colored stripe down each side of their body.
Saltmarsh snakes often reach lengths of 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm). They are found on barrier islands and along the beaches in most of the state.
Most of their time is spent looking for little prey animals in the salt grasses.
27. Eastern Kingsnake
Although their bodies are identical to those of other kingsnakes, those of eastern kingsnakes are either black or chocolate brown.
Their markings are creamy or light yellow, and they resemble rings.
Eastern kingsnakes often reach 36–48 inches (90–122 cm). The Panhandle and the area north of Pinellas County are home to these non-venomous snakes.
They are known to breed with other species of king snakes and have also been discovered on barrier islands.
28. Black Swamp Snake
Black swamp snakes have brilliantly colored red bellies and lustrous black backs. Their lower and upper halves appear to lock together like a zip.
Black swamp snakes often reach lengths of 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm). They most frequently inhabit the Panhandle Region and the Central Peninsula.
29. Florida Kingsnake
Although the body shapes of Florida kingsnakes are similar to those of other kingsnakes, they are distinguished by their unique coloring.
Their bodies are usually yellow to brown, with a pattern of chain links running down their back and up to forty yellowish crossbands.
Florida kingsnakes often reach 36–48 inches (90–122 cm). They extend into the Florida Keys and to the south of Taylor County.
They are harmless and non-venomous, just like other kingsnakes.
30. Florida Crowned Snake
A Florida-crowned snake’s tan or light reddish-brown body is paired with a dark brown or black head.
These types of snakes in Florida are short and slender. Their undersides are light in color, and they may have a band across their necks behind their heads.
Crowned snakes often reach 7-9 inches (18-23 cm). They live in isolated populations along the Florida peninsula but not in the Panhandle, far southern Florida, or the Florida Keys.
31. Eastern Pine Snake
The eastern pine snake’s huge, thick body, wide head, and uneven coloring are characteristics.
They typically have a cream or light-colored body with darker red or brown splotches, yet they can also be entirely white without any spots.
Pine snakes typically reach lengths of 48–66 inches (122-168 cm).
They are found throughout the state, with the exception of the Everglades, far southern Florida, the Florida Keys, and Lake Okeechobee.
They are nonvenomous types of snakes in Florida. Therefore, despite their size, they are not very dangerous to humans.
32. Smooth Earthsnake
The shiny brown or reddish-brown scales of smooth earth snakes are accompanied by microscopic dots on their backs that resemble spots.
Thanks to their pointed snout, they can dig through leaf litter and establish roots in the earth.
Smooth earth snakes often reach 7 to 10 inches (18 to 26 cm).
These harmless types of snakes in Florida are distributed throughout the Panhandle and have a solitary population in Highlands County, Florida.Â
33. Midland Water Snake
Midland water snakes have thick bodies with cross bands that run from the belly over the back in shades of red or brown. Most of their body is light brown to tan, and they have huge eyes.
These non-venomous types of snakes in Florida often reach lengths of 24 to 30 inches (60 to 76 cm).
These snakes live only in the westernmost portion of the Panhandle region, primarily in the basins of the Choctawhatchee, Escambia, and Yellow Rivers.
34. Striped Swamp Snake
Striped swamp snakes, often called crayfish snakes, have glossy brown bodies with undersides ranging from dull yellow to cream.
Their vibrant lips contrast with their dark heads, and their backs are covered in three dark stripes extending from their little heads to their tails.
Striped swamp snakes often reach 13–20 inches (33-51 cm) and are nonvenomous. They are found throughout the Florida peninsula and in the extreme eastern Panhandle.
35. Northern Mole Kingsnake
Mature mole kingsnakes have roughly fifty-five red spots running the length of their backs. They are colored grey, brown, or orange.
These appear to disappear with age, with some elderly people appearing completely pigment-free.
Mole kingsnakes typically reach 30-42 inches (76-107 cm). These non-venomous types of snakes in Florida range from Franklin and Liberty counties to the Panhandle regions.
36. Mississippi Green Watersnake
Despite not being poisonous, Mississippi green water snakes are sometimes mistaken for the deadly cottonmouth.
They are almost black, have dark stripes that fade with age, and are frequently seen in or around bodies of water.
These types of snakes in Florida appear similar to that of cottonmouths.
Green water snakes typically reach 30-55 inches (76-140 cm). Only a few reports of them are in the far western part of the Panhandle region, making them incredibly rare in Florida.
37. Glossy Swamp Snake
Olive green or glossy brown are the usual colors of glossy swamp snakes. Their eyes are big, with yellow eyelashes and yellow cheeks and throats.
A faint black line that runs down many people’s sides can be difficult to see.
Glossy swamp snakes typically reach 14–24 inches (36–61 cm) and are found in Florida, extending into the Panhandle from Osceola County in the east.
38. Rough Earth Snake
Most rough earth snakes have glossy brown or gray bodies with pale yellow or white bellies. They lack a definite neck and head division.
However, they do have a pointed snout. A ring that is somewhat colored right below the head may or may not be present.
Rough earth snakes, which are nonvenomous, often reach lengths of 7 to 10 inches (18 to 26 cm). They are found in Florida’s northern peninsula and western panhandle.
39. Appalachicola Kingsnake
Kingsnakes from the Appalachian region share body characteristics with other kingsnakes.
Although their coloring varies, their bodies are typically pale in color. Their bands may be large or small or without a pattern.Â
While adults usually have less than 23 bands overall, some juveniles are entirely black if they have bands when they become adults.
Apalachicola kingsnakes often reach 36 to 48 inches (90 to 122 cm).
These nonvenomous snakes are found in Florida’s Panhandle region, primarily in and around Apalachicola, in the central and eastern regions (hence the name).
40. Plain-bellied Watersnake
The color of plain-bellied water snakes is typically a consistent shade of reddish-brown or green-gray.
Their bodies are thick and stocky, lacking any pattern, and their undersides are typically a brighter yellow orangish.
These non-venomous types of snakes in Florida often reach lengths of 30-48 inches (76-122 cm).
Although they can be found along the Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers, they are primarily in the western panhandle.
41. Southeastern Crown Snake
The head of the southeastern crowned snake is often dark, with the body being reddish-brown or tan.
They have a luminous ring that resembles a crown or halo directly behind the head.
These tiny, non-venomous snakes often reach 8 to 10 inches (20 to 26 cm). They are located in Florida’s Panhandle and extend eastward into Leon County.
42. Short-tailed Kingsnake
Despite sharing a similar body structure with other kingsnakes, the short-tailed kingsnake is comparatively smaller.
Their bodies are grey and have thin features with dark splotches and an orange stripe running down their backs.
The typical length of a short-tailed kingsnake is 14–20 inches (36–51 cm). This nonvenomous species is found in the upper region of central Florida and west of the St. John’s River.
The species is unique to Florida and cannot be found elsewhere globally.
43. Queensnake
Queen snakes’ underbelly typically has a cream or yellowish stripe, and their overall color is usually brown or olive green.
The lighter scales on their lips distinguish them from the rest of the head. A distinct ridge in their scales rises off the body.
Queen snakes often reach lengths of 15 to 24 inches (38 to 61 cm). This non-venomous snake is found in the Panhandle, west of the Ochlockonee River.
44. Mole Kingsnake
South Florida Mole Kingsnakes have at least 75 reddish-brown spots that run the length of their bodies. They are often gray, brown, or tan.Â
When they get older, they can also be nearly completely brown. They typically have dark markings on their skulls and a dark line running through their eyes.
South Florida kingsnakes typically reach 30-42 inches (76-107 cm).
This nonvenomous species is found in Brevard County, west to Charlotte and De Soto Counties, and from Lake Okeechobee to Brevard County. It can only be found in Florida.
45. Southern Hog-nose Snake
The smaller cousin of the eastern hognose snake is the southern hognose snake.
Their bodies might be light grey, tan, yellowish-brown, orangish-red, with black patches running down their flanks or back. They have a very characteristic snout that resembles a spade.
Southern hognose snakes often reach 18 to 22 inches (45 to 55 cm). These nonvenomous snakes can be found in Florida along the St. John’s River.
However, it is primarily found in the Panhandle region.
46. Crowned Snake
Rim-rock crowned snakes, also known as Miami black-headed snakes, have jet-black heads and pale tans to a pinkish-brown body color.
In addition to having small eyes, the tip of their nose is paler than the rest of their skull.
These non-venomous types of snakes in Florida typically reach lengths of 7-9 inches (18-23 cm).
It is found only in the counties of Miami-Dade, Monroe, and the Florida Keys, ranging from Key Largo to Key West.
47. Brahminy Blind Snake
Most Brahminy blind snakes only grow to be 4.4–6.5 inches (11.2–16.5 cm) long. Their hues might vary from purple to charcoal grey to sparkling silver grey.
Because the head and tail are both blunt, it might be challenging to distinguish between them.
A small, pointed spur on their tail aids in their digging. Some people are taken aback when they flick their tongues out because they think they are earthworms.
Fortunately, there is no poison for these types of snakes in Florida. Brahminy blind snakes originated in Southern Asia, not Florida.
Since their initial reports in Miami during the 1970s, they have expanded their range to include the entire peninsula, Key West, and occasionally the panhandle.
48. Javan File Snake
The Javan file snake’s head resembles a derp, making identification simple. Large rear eyes are on either side of the flat, file-shaped head.Â
Their belly is cream colored, and their body is predominantly brown. Their scales are rough as sandpaper, and their skin is loose.
These snakes can grow to about ten feet in length, with an average length for males of 46 inches (118 cm) and 53 inches (135 cm) for females.
These harmless snakes are native to Southeast Asia and have been in Florida since the 1970s. They were probably brought here as pets.
With only one known established location in a rock quarry in Miami-Dade County, they had a small population in the wild.
Since a failed attempt at trapping in 2003, reliable population data has not been collected.
49. Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictors are ending our list of types of snakes in Florida. They are large, robust snakes with tan bodies generally and dark patches running their length.
This invasive constrictor snake has dark patterns behind its eyes and hourglass-shaped patches beginning near the neck region.
On average, a boa constrictor’s length can range from 10 to 16 feet (3 to 5 meters). Boa constrictors are native to Latin America and mainly came to Florida as pets.
The Charles Deering Estate is their only permanent habitat in Miami, Miami-Dade County.
Despite not being poisonous, these larger types of snakes in Florida are nevertheless a serious risk to humans, pets, and local wildlife.
