Florida’s diverse ecosystems create a haven for some of North America’s most fascinating turtle species. Whether you’re exploring coastal beaches, paddling through wetlands, or hiking inland trails, understanding the types of turtles in Florida transforms your outdoor experiences from casual observation to meaningful wildlife appreciation.
This guide walks you through all 23 species you’re likely to encounter—from ancient sea turtles returning to nesting beaches to small mud turtles hiding in freshwater marshes.
You’ll learn identifying characteristics, habitat preferences, and interesting behavioral facts that make each species unique. By the end, you’ll confidently recognize any turtle you encounter and understand its role in Florida’s natural world.
1. Loggerhead Sea Turtle
The Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) represents one of Florida’s most iconic marine reptiles. Named for their disproportionately large heads, these sea turtles can weigh up to 200 pounds and travel thousands of miles across ocean currents.
You’ll recognize them by their reddish-brown shells and powerful jaw muscles visible on their distinctive heads.
These ancient mariners spend most of their lives in open ocean but return to Florida’s sandy beaches—particularly along the Atlantic coast—during nesting season from May through August.
Loggerheads are remarkable navigators, using Earth’s magnetic field to return to the same beaches where they hatched decades earlier. If you’re walking a Florida beach during nesting season, you might spot their massive tracks leading from the waterline up the sand, though direct encounters are rare since hatchlings enter the ocean at night.
Key Insight: Loggerheads have been nesting on Florida beaches for over 100 million years and continue this ancient migration despite modern challenges.
2. Green Sea Turtle
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are the largest hardshell sea turtles, with some females weighing over 300 pounds. Despite their name, their shell coloration ranges from brown to olive, with their skin earning them the “green” designation due to greenish fat beneath their shell.
You’ll find green sea turtles in Florida’s Atlantic and Caribbean waters, where they graze on seagrass beds and algae—unusual behavior for sea turtles, since most are carnivorous. They’re gentler and more herbivorous than their loggerhead cousins.
During nesting season (June through October), females emerge on beaches to lay eggs, though this occurs less frequently in Florida than in other Atlantic locations. If you observe sea turtles from a distance in shallow coastal waters, the larger size and different feeding behavior might indicate you’re watching a green sea turtle.
3. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Named for their narrow, pointed beak resembling a hawk, Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are the smallest sea turtle species at around 100-150 pounds. Their shells display beautiful amber, orange, and brown coloring with intricate patterns that unfortunately made them targets for the shell trade.
Hawksbills inhabit Florida’s coral reef environments and rocky coastal areas where they hunt sponges, mollusks, and small crustaceans in crevices. Their specialized diet and reef habitat make them critically important for reef ecosystem health.
While less common than loggerheads along Florida beaches, hawksbills occasionally nest on southern Florida shores. Their compact size and distinctive beak make them recognizable when spotted in shallow reef waters.
4. Leatherback Sea Turtle
Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) are the ocean’s giants—adult females can exceed 1,500 pounds and stretch six feet from nose to tail. Unlike other sea turtles, their shell is covered in leathery skin rather than hard plates, making them instantly recognizable.
These deep-diving hunters pursue jellyfish into the open ocean, sometimes descending over 4,000 feet below the surface. Florida’s Atlantic coast hosts one of the world’s most important leatherback nesting sites, with females returning each summer to dig massive egg chambers on sandy beaches.
While you’re unlikely to encounter leatherbacks in shallow water, beachgoers during nesting season (May through July) might spot their enormous tracks or witness the remarkable sight of a mother leatherback returning to the ocean after nesting.
Common Mistake: Many people confuse leatherback tracks with those of equipment or debris—leatherbacks create distinctive patterns with their flippers that experienced observers can identify from feet away.
5. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
The Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) holds the distinction of being the world’s rarest sea turtle, making every sighting significant. These small sea turtles, weighing around 100 pounds, display olive-green shells and prefer warm water habitats.
Once hunted to near extinction, Kemp’s Ridleys have shown remarkable recovery through international conservation efforts. Florida’s Gulf Coast has become increasingly important for this species, with nesting numbers rising in recent decades.
These turtles hunt in shallow bays and coastal waters, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. If you spot a small, active sea turtle in the Gulf, it might be a Kemp’s Ridley—report any nesting activity you observe to local wildlife authorities.
6. Gopher Tortoise
The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) represents a completely different turtle lifestyle—terrestrial rather than aquatic. These land dwellers, weighing 5-15 pounds, are stocky, dome-shelled reptiles that spend their lives burrowing in sandy soils.
You’ll find gopher tortoises in Florida’s scrublands, sandhills, and flatwoods where they excavate burrows up to 40 feet long. These burrows serve critical ecosystem functions, providing shelter for over 350 other species including burrowing owls, gopher frogs, and various insects.
Gopher tortoises graze on vegetation like prickly pear cactus and wiregrass. If you’re exploring Florida’s natural areas, you might notice tortoise burrows—distinctive D-shaped entrances in sandy soil. The species is threatened by habitat loss and is protected by law.
Pro Tip: If you encounter a gopher tortoise crossing a road, help it safely across in the direction it was heading—these slow-moving animals face significant traffic hazards.
7. Florida Box Turtle
Florida Box Turtles (Terrapene bauri) are small, dome-shelled terrestrial turtles weighing around 4-6 ounces. They display intricate shell patterns with yellow or orange radiating lines on their brown shells, and have distinctive yellow markings on their faces and legs.
These turtles inhabit flatwoods, scrublands, and coastal hammocks, spending most of their time on the ground hunting snails, slugs, insects, and vegetation. Box turtles have relatively small home ranges and may spend their entire lives within a few acres.
They’re vulnerable to road mortality and capture for the pet trade. If you find a box turtle during the rainy season, it’s likely searching for mates or nesting sites—moving it safely to the nearest appropriate habitat is helpful.
8. Eastern Box Turtle
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) overlaps with Florida Box Turtles in northern Florida but displays different characteristics. These slightly larger relatives have more prominent humped shells and broader geographic distribution across eastern North America.
Eastern Box Turtles inhabit hardwood forests, mixed woodlands, and occasionally open areas in northern Florida. They’re particularly active during and after rains when humidity is high.
These solitary turtles spend winter in hibernation, burying themselves beneath leaf litter and soil. Their slow reproduction rate and habitat fragmentation have caused population declines in many areas. Encountering one represents a special moment in a nature hike through Florida’s northern regions.
9. Florida Softshell Turtle
Florida Softshells (Apalone ferox) are distinctly different from other turtles—their shells feel leathery rather than hard, and their bodies appear flattened and streamlined. These aggressive aquatic hunters can reach 15-20 inches and display aggressive behavior when threatened.
You’ll find Florida softshells in freshwater systems including lakes, rivers, springs, and swamps. They’re incredibly fast swimmers and fierce predators, hunting fish, crayfish, and smaller turtles.
Their long necks can extend far from their shells, allowing them to reach prey from surprising distances. If you’re wading in a Florida lake and feel something brush your leg, it’s likely a softshell turtle rather than something more dangerous—they prefer avoiding confrontation despite their aggressive reputation.
10. Spiny Softshell Turtle
Spiny Softshells (Apalone spinifera) are another softshell species in Florida, slightly smaller than Florida Softshells and distinguished by spiny projections on their shell edge and head. These turtles are also flattened, fast-moving aquatic predators.
These adaptable turtles inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes, and canals, preferring flowing water environments. They’re often encountered in the same habitats as Florida softshells but tend to prefer larger rivers and waterways.
Spiny Softshells are equally aggressive hunters and can deliver painful bites if captured, so observation from a distance is wise. Their camouflaged coloring—browns and grays matching sandy bottoms—makes them difficult to spot despite their size.
11. Florida Red-Bellied Cooter
Florida Red-Bellied Cooters (Pseudemys nelsoni) are medium-sized aquatic turtles weighing 8-12 pounds. They’re named for the red or orange coloring on their shells’ undersides, though their upper shells are brown to olive-green with distinctive patterns.
These basking turtles inhabit lakes, rivers, and wetland areas throughout Florida, often stacking on top of each other on logs and rocks. You’ll frequently spot them during sunny days when they emerge to warm their shells and regulate body temperature.
Cooters are omnivorous, eating aquatic vegetation, insects, and small aquatic animals. Their tendency to bask in groups makes them some of Florida’s most visible and recognizable turtles.
12. Peninsula Cooter
Peninsula Cooters (Pseudemys peninsularis) are closely related to Red-Bellied Cooters but display different coloring and pattern characteristics. They inhabit the same freshwater systems and share similar basking behaviors.
These turtles are slightly smaller than Red-Bellied Cooters and feature different shell patterns and colors. They’re equally common in Florida’s central and southern freshwater systems.
Like their relatives, Peninsula Cooters spend sunny days basking on logs and rocks, making them easy to observe and photograph. Their preference for specific water systems helps distinguish them from other cooter species.
13. Suwannee Cooter
Suwannee Cooters (Pseudemys suwanniensis) are another cooter species, primarily found in the Suwannee River drainage system in north-central Florida. These medium-sized turtles display distinct shell patterns and coloring unique to their region.
These turtles have become recognized as a separate species from other cooters through their distinct characteristics and geographic isolation. They inhabit clear-water springs and river systems where they feed on aquatic vegetation and small animals.
Their restriction to specific waterways makes them particularly important for regional conservation efforts. Encountering a Suwannee Cooter is a special experience, particularly for visitors to the Suwannee River region.
14. River Cooter
River Cooters (Pseudemys concinna) are widespread throughout Florida’s rivers and flowing water systems. These medium-sized turtles display brown shells with distinctive yellow patterns and prefer moving water environments.
River Cooters are strong swimmers adapted to current-bearing waterways. They’re particularly common in northern and central Florida’s river systems.
Like other cooters, they’re herbivorous to omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Their basking behavior makes them visible during daytime hours, and patient observers can spot them in groups on riverside logs.
15. Yellow-Bellied Slider
yellow-Bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) are medium-sized aquatic turtles displaying olive-green shells with yellow stripes and distinctive yellow spots behind their eyes. They’re named for their characteristic yellow-colored plastrons (shells’ undersides).
These popular pet turtles inhabit freshwater systems throughout Florida, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. They’re active, curious turtles that readily bask on logs and approach people at the water’s edge.
Yellow-Bellied Sliders are omnivorous, eating aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and carrion. Their abundance in Florida’s waterways makes them among the most frequently encountered turtles.
Important Note: Many Yellow-Bellied Sliders in Florida descend from escaped or released pets, making them partially invasive. While they’ve integrated into Florida’s ecosystems, their presence affects native species competition.
16. Red-Eared Slider
Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are similar to Yellow-Bellied Sliders but display distinctive red patches behind their eyes and different shell patterns. These highly adaptable turtles have become nearly ubiquitous in Florida’s freshwater systems.
Red-Eared Sliders originate from the southern United States but have established populations worldwide through the pet trade. They’re generalist feeders consuming aquatic plants, invertebrates, small fish, and even other turtle species’ eggs.
Their competitive nature and adaptability allow them to thrive in diverse environments from swamps to urban ponds. They’re incredibly common in Florida and often among the first turtles observed by nature enthusiasts exploring freshwater habitats.
17. Peninsula Striped Mud Turtle
Peninsula Striped Mud Turtles (Kinosternon baurii) are small, brown turtles weighing only 4-8 ounces. They display two distinctive light-colored stripes running along their shells and are semi-aquatic inhabitants of freshwater systems.
These secretive turtles inhabit shallow wetlands, swamps, marshes, and ditches throughout Florida. They rarely bask like other turtles, preferring to remain hidden in vegetation or buried in mud.
Their cryptic nature makes them difficult to observe despite their abundance. Peninsula Striped Mud Turtles feed on small aquatic invertebrates, carrion, and vegetation. Encountering one usually requires careful observation of shallow water margins.
18. Florida Mud Turtle
Florida Mud Turtles (Kinosternon steindachneri) are another small mud turtle species, weighing 4-7 ounces with olive-brown shells and less prominent striping than their Peninsula cousins. These semi-aquatic turtles prefer freshwater wetland environments.
Florida Mud Turtles inhabit the same shallow wetland habitats as Peninsula Striped Mud Turtles but occupy different geographic ranges within the state. They’re equally secretive and difficult to observe.
These turtles are important ecosystem members, consuming algae, vegetation, small invertebrates, and carrion. Their small size and cryptic behavior make spotting one a notable achievement for turtle enthusiasts.
19. Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Loggerhead Musk Turtles (Sternotherus minor) are small aquatic turtles weighing 3-5 pounds with brown shells and small heads relative to their body size. Despite their common name, they’re unrelated to sea-going loggerheads.
These musky-smelling turtles (hence their name) inhabit freshwater rivers, streams, and springs throughout northern and central Florida. They’re bottom dwellers, rarely basking on logs like other freshwater turtles.
Loggerhead Musk Turtles are carnivorous, hunting small fish, crayfish, and invertebrates. Their secretive nature and preference for flowing water make them challenging to observe despite their presence in many Florida waterways.
20. Stinkpot (Common Musk Turtle)
Stinkpots (Sternotherus odoratus), also called Common Musk Turtles, are tiny aquatic turtles weighing only 1-3 pounds. These brown turtles are famous for their ability to release foul-smelling musk from specialized glands when threatened, earning their colorful common name.
You’ll find Stinkpots in freshwater systems throughout northern Florida, though they’re more common in states further north. They prefer clear, clean water with moderate current and rocky or vegetated bottoms.
These diminutive turtles are carnivorous, consuming small aquatic invertebrates and occasionally fish eggs. Despite their small size and secretive habits, they’re fascinating to observe for patient nature enthusiasts exploring Florida’s northern waterways.
21. Florida Snapping Turtle
Florida Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are large, aggressive-looking aquatic turtles with primitive appearances—rough shells, powerful hooked jaws, and muscular bodies. These turtles can weigh 20-35 pounds and are considerably smaller than their alligator snapping cousins.
These prehistoric-looking turtles inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, swamps, and even brackish waters throughout Florida. They’re omnivorous scavengers, consuming fish, aquatic vegetation, crayfish, and carrion.
Snappers are excellent swimmers despite their heavy shells. While they appear intimidating with their powerful jaws and aggressive disposition, they’re generally non-aggressive unless provoked or nesting. If you encounter a snapping turtle on land, give it space and observe from a distance.
22. Alligator Snapping Turtle
Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) are among North America’s largest freshwater turtles, capable of weighing over 200 pounds in rare cases. These formidable predators display primitive features including powerful beaks, highly ridged shells, and muscular builds.
These impressive turtles inhabit Florida’s larger river systems, lakes, and deep water habitats, primarily in northern and central regions. Unlike their Florida snapping turtle cousins, Alligator Snappers are ambush predators with distinctive hunting behavior—they lure prey near their mouths using a worm-like appendage on their tongues.
Their size and aggressive nature demand respect and distance. Encounters are less common than with Florida snappers, but observing one represents a remarkable wildlife experience.
23. Diamondback Terrapin
Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are specialized brackish-water turtles displaying distinctive diamond-patterned shells and powerful crushing jaws. These medium-sized turtles, weighing 5-10 pounds, are adapted for life in salt marshes and estuarine environments where they feed on hard-shelled mollusks and crustaceans.
You’ll find Diamondback Terrapins along Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where they navigate the unique challenges of brackish water environments. Their crushingly powerful jaws can easily crack crab and mussel shells.
These turtles face threats from crab trap drowning and road mortality during nesting season. Spotting a terrapin basking on a marsh bank or swimming through tidal channels represents a special Florida coastal experience.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of turtles in Florida enriches every outdoor adventure in the state’s diverse ecosystems. From the five sea turtle species returning to ancient nesting beaches to the small mud turtles hiding in freshwater marshes, each of Florida’s 23 turtle species plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Whether you’re a casual nature observer or dedicated herpetology enthusiast, recognizing these species deepens your connection to Florida’s natural heritage.
As you explore Florida’s beaches, wetlands, rivers, and forests, keep an eye out for these remarkable creatures. Approach them with respect and patience, observe from appropriate distances, and report significant sightings to local wildlife agencies.
Your observations contribute to citizen science efforts that help protect these ancient reptiles for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
