43 Types of Turtles in Florida

Florida must be a turtle’s paradise. Especially when you consider that there are 38 different species living in the state, and there are at least 5 species of sea turtles that visit the coast.

Florida has a rich and diverse climate that makes it a perfect place for numerous species of reptiles and amphibians. Here we see snakes, lizards, toads, frogs, and of course turtles.

Some individual species of turtles you may find in the Sunshine State include a variety of Cooters, and Sliders that love living in ponds and waterways, to terrestrial box turtles and the only tortoise species you’ll find in Florida.

The following information is for informational purposes about the species of turtles found in and around Florida. It may also help you decide on a pet turtle if you are looking for one.

Keep in mind though, that taking any reptile or turtle from its wild habitat can harm the turtle, stress it out, damage the environment, and it may also be illegal. While it’s exciting to see wild turtles, we ask that you please don’t bother them, and definitely don’t take them home with you.

When looking for a pet turtle there are plenty of adoption agencies or turtle/reptile breeders that can provide you with the turtle you are looking for, as well as all the information you need to raise a happy, healthy pet.

As always, check your local laws related to buying, owning, and selling any turtles, especially endangered species, as you may need a permit to own certain breeds. And now, without further ado, here are the 43 types of turtles found in Florida and along the many beaches.

Box Turtles in Florida

1. Eastern Box Turtle

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina
• Other Names: Land Turtle
• Adult Size: 4 to 7 inches
• Life Span: 50 to 100 years
• Average Price Range: $260 – $360
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Eastern Box turtles are active during the daytime and spend their days roaming around foraging for food. They tend to stay around where they were hatched and rarely travel farther than a football field in their adventures.

Eastern Box turtles have innate homing capabilities that help them get back to their home base even if they are far away in unfamiliar territory.

These beautiful turtles have distinctive dark brown, olive, or black shells with orange patterns on the carapace (upper shell). The bottom part of the shell (plastron) is brown and double hinged. It can completely close its head and limbs inside the shell.

In Florida, the Eastern Box turtle is mainly found in the southern regions. They like to be near water but stay mostly on land. They look for humid regions such as grasslands, marshes, and wooded areas with a lot of damp leaf litter.

Box turtles are opportunistic feeders that will eat a wide variety of foods. As juveniles, they feed mainly on meat so they can grow fast, but soon adopt an omnivorous diet. They feed on fruits, berries, grasses, fungus, carrion, worms, snails, slugs, fish, insects, and small animals.

2. Florida Box Turtle

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina bauri
• Other Names: Box turtle
• Average Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
• Life Span: 40 – 60 years
• Average Price Range: $300 to $400
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Florida Box Turtles are a subspecies of Box turtles found in Florida, the Keys, and sometimes in Southern Georgia. They have black shells with yellow markings similar to the Eastern Box turtle, except the markings are more numerous and thinner.

They have thick, yellow stripes along their heads and their plastron is hinged in the front and back as well. They have a highly domed shell that fares out slightly at the back side.

Florida Box turtles have thick sharp claws that allow for climbing. They are excellent climbers and can often be found in the trees searching for insects, spiders, and moss to eat.

Similar to other box turtles, the Florida Box spends most of its time on land. They will go to the water to soak and cool off, but they rarely swim. Instead, they prefer to hang out in humid areas like marshes, swamps, or humid forests.

They too are omnivorous and will eat worms, caterpillars, moss, fungus, fruits, nuts, and berries.

This species of box turtle does not hibernate. Probably because where they live tends to stay relatively warm all year long.

The Florida Box turtle is protected in Florida and it is illegal to own more than two without a special permit.

3. Gulf Coast Box Turtle

• Experience Level: Expert
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina major
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 6 to 8.5 inches
• Lifespan: 30 to 40 years in captivity, but over 100 years in the wild
• Average Price Range: $230 to $450
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Gulf Coast Box turtles are the largest of the Box turtle subspecies and can reach lengths of nearly 9 inches long. As their name suggests they can be found along the Gulf Coast, in Florida, Louisiana, and even as far west as Texas.

Though they too are land dwelling turtles, they prefer to stay near permanent bodies of water that keep the same water level. This helps them maintain the right humidity to keep them healthy.

Though where they choose to live is typically warm all year long, they will hibernate if the weather turns too cold.

The Gulf Coast Box turtle has a highly domed, flared along the edges, double-hinged shell that has yellow to orange markings. These markings vary from turtle to turtle and can vary widely. The markings can be blotches, spots, stripes, or a mixture.

The background on their shell is dark brown and they have dark colored skin with yellowish to orange markings.

Like other Box turtles, Gulf Coast Box turtles have an omnivorous diet. Though they eat grasses and other plant matter, they prefer insects that gather around the water’s edge. Grasshoppers, worms, grubs, crickets, and any other insect is at risk of being eaten by the Gulf Coast Box turtle.

4. Three Toed Box Turtle

• Experience level: Intermediate
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina triunguis
• Other Names: N/A
• Average Adult Size: 4.5 – 6.5 inches
• Life Span: 70+ years
• Average Price Range: $140 – $430
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable 

The smallest subspecies of Common Box turtles, Three Toed Box turtles are found in Northwestern Florida around the Panhandle area. These terrestrial turtles inhabit humid woodlands and other grassland areas such as meadows.

Three Toed Box turtles have high domed, sometimes ridged carapaces, which are usually light brown or tan in color. As their name implies, they have three claws on their hind legs rather than four.

Though they are found in woodlands and meadows in many states across the United States these turtles, and indeed all Box turtle species are listed as Vulnerable. This is because of habitat destruction, roadway mortalities, and the pet trade.

These animals with their slow moving, docile nature are often snatched from their wild habitat and taken home as pets. Here these pets don’t live long because of the tremendous amount of stress this causes.

Even under excellent care, wild box turtles end up not eating, or stressing so badly they shorten their lives considerably. If you are looking to own some of these beautiful little turtles, please find a licensed, reputable breeder. Captive bred Box turtles take to humans and enclosures much better.

Juveniles and especially baby Three Toed Box turtles are extremely vulnerable to predation. When they reach adulthood, their shells protect them from most would-be predators, but hatchlings are only about an inch long and have soft shells.

Birds, crows, large fish, snakes, raccoons, possums, skunks, and even larger turtles will feed on hatchling box turtles.

Three Toed Box turtles are omnivores. Young Three Toed Box turtles consume a lot of protein in the form of worms, insects, and carrion if they find it. This helps them grow faster and strengthens their shells.

As they age, these Box turtles begin to consume more plant and vegetable matter.

Chicken Turtles in Florida

5-6. Chicken Turtles

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Deirochelys reticularia
• Other Names:  N/A
• Average Adult Size:  6 – 9 inches
• Life Span: 13 – 20 years
• Average Price Range: $150 – $300
• Conservation Status: Threatened

There are two subspecies of Chicken turtles found in Florida, these are the Eastern Chicken (Deirochelys reticularia reticularia) and the Florida Chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea).

Both species of these turtles are aquatic turtles that live in wetlands with slow moving waters. They both have egg shaped, somewhat flattened shells with net-like patterns along the shell. The Florida Chicken turtle’s shell pattern is usually wider with orange or yellow bands.

Their shells tend to look wrinkled, much like when you soak in the water too long.

Their carapaces are green, and the plastrons are cream to yellow with no markings. The skin and scales on Chicken turtles are dark green and have white to yellow stripes along their heads and limbs.

So they are called Chicken turtles not because that’s their favorite food, or they cluck like yardbirds, but because they were reported to taste much like chicken meat. Yes, these turtles used to be utilized for food.

In many regions around the world, many turtles are still sold for meat, but here in the United States, turtle dishes have fallen out of favor since the early 1900s.

Chicken turtles are omnivorous, but they consume mostly fish, crayfish, and worms, especially during the warmer summer months. They will also eat tadpoles, grubs, dragonfly larvae, and some aquatic vegetation.

Cooters in Florida

7-8. Eastern and Suwannee River Cooter

• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Pseudemys concinna concinna (suwanniensis)
• Other Names: River Cooter
• Adult Size: Between 8 and 12 inches
• Life Span: Between 20 and 40 years
• Average Price Range: $20 to $50
• Conservation Status: Special concern

River Cooters are large freshwater aquatic turtles found in fast-moving rivers and streams that often have abundant vegetation and rocky bottoms. They are excellent swimmers and spend a lot of time basking on logs, rocks, or river banks.

They will also occupy ponds, wetlands, and floodplains, but they prefer larger bodies of water.

There are two subspecies of River Cooters found in Florida; the Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna) and the Suwannee Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis), which is endemic to Florida and found mainly in the Suwannee River.

Eastern River Cooters have dark green shells with C-shaped markings on their lower scutes. They have highly marked carapaces that are mostly olive, or dark brown colored and swell out at the back end.

Suwanee Cooters have darker, almost black shells with darker C-shaped patterns, and are one of the largest species in this group. Their carapace lengths can reach and exceed 17 inches.

Suwannee Cooters are protected, and it is illegal to possess or sell them in the state of Florida. They were once hunted for their meat, but that practice has stopped to save their numbers. Still, pollution, predation in the wild, and habitat encroachment threaten their population.

Both species of these turtles are mostly herbivores as adults. They will eat duckweed, water hyacinth, arrowhead, algae, and aquatic grasses. When there are not many vegetation options available they will eat crustaceans, worms, mollusks, carrion, or whatever else is available.

9. Florida Red Bellied Cooter

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Pseudemys nelsoni
• Other Names: Florida Red Belly turtle
• Average Adult Size: 8 – 15 inches
• Life Span: 30 to 50 years
• Average Price Range: $40 to $150
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Florida Red Bellied Cooters can be found from Florida to Georgia in nearly any type of water. They prefer places with plenty of vegetation and a lot of basking spots as this is one of their favorite pastimes.

They have a slightly ridged carapace that diminishes as they age. Their shells are dark green to black with bright markings on juveniles. As they age the shell becomes darker and the markings tend to fade.

Their skin is olive to black and they have wide stripes along their heads, and limbs. Their distinct reddish plastron is what typically gives this turtle away.

Females can grow to nearly 12 inches long, much larger than the males that typically max out around 9 inches. This is thought to be due to the fact that females have to carry eggs in their bodies before laying them.

One amazing fact about the Florida Red Belly is that they often lay their eggs in alligator nests. Turtles don’t make great mothers, but alligators will fiercely defend their nests. This way the baby turtles have a better chance of hatching.

Red Bellies can sometimes be found in brackish waters, but they mostly stay in freshwater areas. They are highly herbivorous and feed on arrowhead, algae, water grasses, duckweed, and other aquatic plants.

10. Peninsula Cooter

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Pseudemys peninsularis
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 9 to 13 inches
• Lifespan: 30 years
• Average Price Range: $25 to $50
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Peninsula Cooters are medium-sized aquatic, freshwater turtles that prefer swamps, marshes, and slow moving water with a lot of vegetation and sandy bottoms. They are endemic to the Florida Peninsula and range up to Georgia and Alabama.

They have dark colored shells and skin with orange, tan, or yellow stripes. The plastron is usually tan or yellow.

These are active turtles that can be seen swimming near the surface of the water or basking in the sun.

Males have longer tails and longer front claws. These claws are used to stroke the female to entice her into mating.

These turtles are herbivores as adults and omnivores as young. They will eat mostly plants and algae.

Terrapins in Florida

11-15. Diamondback Terrapin

• Experience level: Intermediate to Expert
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Malaclemys terrapin
• Other Names: Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin, Diamondback Terrapin
• Average Adult Size: 5.5 – 11 inches
• Life Span: 25 – 40 years
• Average Price Range: $300 to $1,000 It’s illegal to own Diamondback terrapins in some states, while you need a special permit to own them in other states, including Florida.
• Conservation Status: Endangered

Diamondback terrapins are small, beautiful turtles found across many regions across Florida. They mostly inhabit brackish waters such as estuaries, tidal creeks, salt marshes, lagoons, and mangrove swamps.

They have stunning diamond-shaped patterns on their shells and distinctive white to light gray skin with black speckles.

There are 5 subspecies of Diamondback terrapins found in Florida; the Carolina Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin centrata), the East Florida Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin tequesta), the Mangrove Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum), the Mississippi Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin pileata), and the Ornate Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota).

The word terrapin is an old world word that was used on most aquatic turtles. Though in America, this word is mostly used to describe the diamondback species. It’s often interchanged with “turtle” in many areas.

Diamondbacks are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water. They have adapted ways to deal with the salty, brackish water. Their bodies excrete excess salt through glands.

They drink fresh water by opening their mouths during rain showers and drinking the droplets, or they will swim to the surface after rainfall and drink the freshwater before it mixes with the brackish water.

Diamondback terrapins are mostly carnivorous and eat crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Their affinity for crabs causes many of them to get stuck and drown in crab traps. This along with coastal development has threatened their numbers.

There is legislation to change the way crab pots work to prevent these turtles from getting in. Another way states are trying to save these little turtles is by limiting or making possession illegal. In Florida, the laws have just changed about Diamondback terrapin possession.

You must obtain a permit before owning these turtles, and even then you can only possess a small number.

Map Turtles in Florida

16. Barbour’s Map Turtle

• Experience level: Intermediate – expert
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni
• Common Name:  Barbour’s Sawback Turtle, Barbour Map Turtle
• Average Adult Size: 3 – 10 inches
• Life Span: 30 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: Approximately $150
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Barbour’s Map turtles are one of the rarest Map turtle subspecies. They are only found in small pockets in Southeastern Alabama, Southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle.

These turtles have a large, distinctive ridge running along the center of their carapace. It’s usually dark brown or black at the top and resembles a dorsal fin.

Their carapace is oval-shaped and typically grey or green, with saw-toothed scutes at the back end. As they age—especially in females—these scutes and the ridges wear down.

Barbour’s Map turtles have brown or olive skin with plenty of yellowish stripes.

These turtles display a high degree of sexual dimorphism—meaning one sex gets much larger than the other. In this case, the females can grow to double the size of smaller males. The females also feature much larger heads.

The large head and jaws allow females to eat tougher shelled crustaceans such as mollusks, clams, and mussels. Males, with their smaller size and weaker jaws, have to eat fish, snails and slugs, and insects.

Excellent swimmers, these smaller turtles prefer fast-moving rivers with soft or rocky bottoms.

It is illegal to possess, take, or sell Barbour’s Map turtles in Florida as they are a state protected species.

17. False Map Turtle

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica
• Other Names: Sawback turtle
• Adult Size: 3.5 to 10.5 inches (9 to 26.5 cm)
• Life Span: 30 to 50 years
• Average Price Range: $6 to $40
• Conservation Status: Least concern

False Map turtles have brown or black shells with contour-like yellow markings. These markings are what give map turtles their name. The lighter swirls and stripes resemble the marks on relief maps.

False Map turtles have pronounced keel running along their backs, and have serrations on the rear of the carapace, hence their nickname of Sawback turtle.

These turtles are found in many large rivers, especially along the Missouri and Mississippi river systems. They are prominent baskets and will often share sunny sites with other species.

Freshwater mussels, clams, and the introduced Asiatic clam are their favorite foods. Though they will also eat some vegetation, as well as insect larvae. False Map turtles will often overturn rocks and pebbles in the rivers and snatch up any insects, snails, or other invertebrates found underneath.

18. Escambia Map Turtle

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Graptemys ernsti
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 5 to 11 inches
• Life Span: 40 to 50+ years
• Average Price Range: N/A
• Conservation Status: Near threatened

The Escambia Map turtle is a medium sized turtle with a high domed carapace that has a black vertebral keel, or ridge, running from front to back. In adult females, this ridge is less prominent.

The plastron is pale yellow, has light markings along the seams, and is fairly flat, even on males. Male turtles usually have a concave indentation on their plastron. The Escambia Map turtle has brown to olive skin on their head and limbs with yellow markings.

Like Barbour’s Map turtle, the female Escambia turtles have larger and wider heads. This allows females to eat hard shelled crustaceans, while the male sticks to insects, worms, and smaller mollusks.

Escambia Map turtles prefer fast-moving rivers and streams that have plenty of basking spots. They also look for rivers and other waterways that have gravelly or sandy bottoms.

Mud Turtles in Florida

19. Eastern Mud Turtle

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Kinosternon subrubrum
• Other Names: Common mud turtle
• Adult Size: 3 to 4 inches
• Life Span: 40 to 50 years
• Average Price Range: $20 – $100
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Eastern Mud turtles are a small, normally grouchy species of aquatic turtles. Though they are very small, that doesn’t prevent them from biting with their sharp beaks.

They can be difficult to identify, especially when they close themselves up in their hinged shells. Their highly domed carapace is mostly solid brown, yellowish, or black, and lacks any distinguishing characteristics, ridges, or marks.

If they come out of their shell you’ll see yellowish to brown skin on the chin, and grey tails and limbs. Their eyes are dark yellow.

Eastern Mud turtles are found in slow-moving waters with a lot of vegetation. As their name suggests, they prefer sandy, muddy bottoms. When they hibernate they leave the water and bury themselves in the mud and under leaf litter.

Though they prefer rivers, lakes, drainage ditches, and swamps, they can tolerate brackish water for short periods.

These turtles also have musk glands they can employ if the aggressive stature and biting aren’t enough. They can emit an oily, foul smelling substance from their glands to protect themselves.

Eastern Mud turtles eat anything they can, from algae, vegetation, and grasses to insects, amphibians, carrion, and mollusks.

20. Florida Mud Turtle

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Kinosternon steindachneri
• Other Names: Cow Dung Cooter
• Adult Size: 2.5 to 5 inches
• Lifespan: 20+ years
• Average Price Range: $100 to $300

Until recently, the Florida Mud turtle was considered to be a subspecies of the Eastern Mud turtle, but now it’s recognized as a distinct species. Florida Mud turtles are endemic to the Florida Peninsula and are found in slow-moving freshwater areas such as rivers and swamps.

These turtles look very similar to Eastern Mud turtles and even share a double hinged plastron so they can close themselves inside their shells. The plastron on these turtles is brown and patterned so it looks like polished wood grain.

 One thing that sets these species apart is the Florida Mud turtle can often be found out of the water. Unfortunately, this is where many of them meet their doom. Roadways are fatal to most turtles.

When they try crossing, their instinct is to withdraw into their shells when they see danger, and most cars don’t see them before it’s too late. They only reach about 4 inches in length when they are full grown. On roadways, these brown turtles look like small rounded rocks.

The Florida Mud turtle has been nicknamed the “Cow Dung Cooter” because this species has been found feeding on cow patties. Maybe they were trying to replenish the stink of their musk glands…

These turtles are omnivores and will eat nearly anything. If eating cow dung isn’t proof enough that these turtles really don’t have taste buds, I don’t know what is.

21. Striped Mud Turtle

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Kinosternon baurii
• Other Names: 3-striped mud turtle, lined mud turtle
• Average Adult Size: 3 – 4 inches
• Life Span: 40 to 50 years
• Average Price Range: Approximately $100 – $160
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Striped Mud Turtles are a popular species in the pet trade. They have three stripes along their carapace, and stripes on their heads that run down their neck. These turtles are found along the coast of Florida, and as far north as Virginia.

These mud turtles have an oval shaped carapace that swells larger near the back end. They also have a hinged plastron like other mud turtles.

Unlike other species of Mud turtles, the Striped Mud turtle female lays its eggs in the fall, compared to the spring or summer.

You can find Striped Mud turtles in freshwater swamps, canals, and creeks. They can withstand some brackish water for short periods. They spend time on the bottom of their habitat searching for food among the muddy bottoms.

These turtles are omnivores and will feed on mollusks, vegetation, carrion, and nearly anything else that is remotely edible. They will also emerge from the water to find food if there isn’t much to eat in the water.

Musk Turtles in Florida

22. Eastern Musk Turtle

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus
• Other Names: Common Musk turtle, Stinkpot
• Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12.5 cm)
• Life Span: 30 to 50 years
• Average Price Range: $30 to $120
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Common Musk turtles are brown, black, or grey colored turtles with a highly domed carapace. They have long necks and short, webbed feet. They have stripes along their heads and small fleshy tubercles on their chins.

Popular among turtle enthusiasts, these little turtles are affectionately called “Stinkpots,” and their scientific name of odoratus seems to confirm that moniker. When they are stressed, frightened, or handled roughly they can emit a musk that packs a powerful stench.

Their plastron is small and offers little protection. They seem to know this and will readily unleash the stink from their glands. They can also be aggressive and bite if the musk doesn’t do the job.

The Common Musk turtle can be found ranging from Maine down to Florida. They prefer shallow, muddy-bottomed, still, or slow-moving waterways such as wetlands, ponds, swamps, drainage ditches, and small streams and creeks.

Another requirement for these turtles is plenty of aquatic vegetation. Though they are highly aquatic turtles and rarely leave the water they aren’t the best swimmers.

To combat this, they have become great climbers and will climb the vegetation to come up for air. They can also be found climbing up trees if the branches dip into the water or near the water’s edge.

Common Musk turtles are omnivores. Though they mainly feed in the water on insects, mollusks, small amphibians, and fish carrion, as well as tuberous plants and algae, they will sometimes leave the water in the search for food.

On land, the Stinkpot will eat millipedes, worms, spiders, seeds, and other insects.

23-24. Loggerhead and Stripe-Necked Musk Turtle

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Sternotherus minor (peltifer)
• Common Name: Stripe head/loggerhead turtle
• Average Adult Size: 2 – 4 inches
• Life Span: 20 – 40 years
• Average Price Range: $50 – $200
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

Loggerhead Musk turtles are a distinctive species of Musk turtle found in the clear springs, ponds, wetlands, and rivers of northern Florida. These aquatic turtles are known for their oversized heads compared to their fellow Musk turtles.

They have light brown keeled shells and greyish skin with plenty of black speckles. They have barbels on their chins but not their throats. Juveniles have three keels along their carapaces but these round out over time.

The Loggerhead Musk turtle often shares its habitat with its close cousin, the Stripe-Necked Musk turtle (Sternotherus minor peltifer).

The oversized head on Loggerheads allows them to eat their favorite foods, snails, clams, and crayfish. Juveniles feed more on freshwater clams, worms, and insects, but transition to more crustaceans as they grow bigger, stronger jaws.

Though Loggerhead Musk turtles are listed as Least Concern throughout their other native range, in Florida, they are protected by state law. These turtles face threats such as motorist and boating collisions, habitat development, and getting stuck on fishing hooks.

Being a protected species in Florida, it is illegal to remove, possess, take, or handle these turtles. You may be able to get a special permit to own them, but you should check Florida’s laws to make sure.

25. Pacific Coast Giant Musk Turtle

• Experience level: Intermediate
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Staurotypus salvinii
• Other Names: Mexican giant musk turtle, Chiapas giant musk turtle
• Average Adult Size: 10 – 15 inches
• Life Span: 20 – 30 years
• Average Price Range: $130 – $200
• Conservation Status: Near threatened

The Pacific Coast Giant Musk turtle, as the name suggests, isn’t native to Florida. They come from the Pacific side of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize.

While populations in Florida aren’t natural and are difficult to get accurate numbers, in their native lands these turtles are Near Threatened.

The Giant Musk turtle is the biggest of the Musk turtle species that can be found in Florida. They can reach carapace lengths of 15 inches. These turtles are also quite aggressive, so exercise extreme caution if you come across one.

They have large heads and sharp beaks that can cause deep lacerations. They are also surprisingly agile for such a large, lumbering-looking turtle.

Aside from their massive size, these turtles have brown, black, or olive colored upper shells with yellow plastrons. Their shells have 3 distinct ridges along the top. Their skin is dark colored on top, and lighter on the underside.

The Giant Musk turtle looks for slow-moving waters such as lakes, reservoirs, and docile rivers with plenty of vegetation to hide among and hunt in.

They are mostly carnivorous, and since they get so large they can eat a variety of animals. They feed on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and even smaller turtles. The Pacific Coast Giant Musk turtle uses suction from the inrush of water, when they open up its large mouth, to capture prey.

Painted Turtles in Florida

26. Southern Painted Turtle

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Chrysemys dorsalis
• Other Names: Painted Turtle
• Average Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
• Life Span: 20 – 25 years
• Average Price Range: $30 – $150
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

Southern Painted turtles are mainly found in slow-moving waters and floodplains. They are the smallest subspecies of the Painted turtle and only reach 4 to 6 inches in length.

The carapace on these turtles is dark green, brown, or black, and has a prominent reddish stripe running along the middle ridge. The scutes are outlined, and there is a light yellow or tan line around the carapace’s outer lip.

The plastron is yellow or tan and usually patternless.

The skin is dark green to black and has plenty of yellow stripes along the limbs, tail, and neck, and head.

The Southern Painted turtle is often debated as to whether it is a separate species or just part of the Painted turtle species (C. picta). The problem is there are so few isolated pockets of the Southern Painted turtle. Another issue is that Painted turtles will readily mate across species when they live in the same habitat.

Some people feel that the Southern Painted turtle is simply a hybrid, and doesn’t deserve its own separate species distinction.

Until the debate is officially settled, we are recognizing the Southern Painted as a species.

These turtles tend to settle in quiet waters such as streams, oxbows, swamps, and ponds. They like muddy bottoms with plenty of vegetation as well.

Painted turtles are omnivores. They feed on fish, insects, worms, mollusks, vegetation, and algae.

Pond Sliders in Florida

27. Red Eared Slider

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
• Common Name: Pond slider, Red-eared terrapin, Water slider
• Average Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
• Life Span: 20 to 40 years
• Average Price Range: approximately $30 to $100
• Conservation Status: Least concern

The Red-eared Slider is one of the most common turtle species found in the pet trade, in the United States, and indeed the world. They are also listed as one of the most invasive turtle species in the world.

Though they are found in Florida, they did not naturally occur here. Like most of their populations around the world, they were released by pet owners who couldn’t care for them any longer.

Red Eared Sliders are incredibly adaptive and will make their home in nearly any kind of freshwater. Once they find a source of water, they soon out compete native species for food, basking, and nesting spots.

You’ll recognize these turtles by their brightly marked carapaces. They start out light green with a lot of colorful markings, but these markings can fade and darken as they age. They also have stripes along their limbs and heads.

Their plastrons are yellow, orange, or reddish colored with dark patterns. The most distinguishing characteristic is the red spots behind their eyes that look like ears. No other species of turtle has this red spot on their heads.

Though highly aquatic, the Red Eared Slider prefers slower moving waters that have plenty of basking spots.

They are omnivorous and will eat nearly anything they can get into their mouths.

28. Yellow Bellied Slider

• Experience level: Beginner
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta scripta
• Other Names: Pond slider, Yellow slider
• Average Adult Size: 5 – 13 inches
• Life Span: 50 to 100 years
• Average Price Range: approximately $30 to $130
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Yellow Bellied Sliders are one of the most common turtle species in Florida. They look very similar to Red Eared sliders except for the bright yellow plastron.

The Yellow Bellied Slider also has yellow stripes along the head and neck, but they are thicker, and there is usually one stripe on the head that takes on an “S” shape. The most distinguishing mark between these two turtles is that the Yellow Bellied Slider does not have red “ears.”

The unhinged plastron has black spots along some or all of the scutes. Yellow Bellied Sliders tend to grow larger than Red Eared Sliders. Their carapace is also somewhat wrinkled looking.

Some of their favorite habitats include ponds, marshes, wetlands, and swamps. They prefer muddy bottoms with vegetation and places they can spend hours at a time basking in the warm sun.

Yellow Bellied Sliders are omnivores that eat a wide variety of aquatic vegetation, fish, insects, carrion, and worms.

Snapping Turtles in Florida

29-31. Alligator Snapping Turtle

• Experience level: Expert
• Family: Chelydrida
• Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckii
• Common Name: Loggerhead Snapper
• Average Adult Size: 13-30 inches
• Life Span: 30 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: Approximately $50 to $300
• Conservation Status: Threatened

Alligator Snapping Turtles are the largest freshwater turtle species found in the United States. They are instantly recognizable thanks to their ferocious, dinosaur-like appearance, complete with thick, spiked shells, long, scaled tails, and powerful beaks.

They have a very large carapace, but a small plastron that offers little protection over the large, muscular limbs and huge, spikey-looking head.

There are 3 subspecies of Alligator Snapping turtle found in Florida, mostly along the panhandle. These subspecies are the Apalachicola Alligator Snapping turtle (Macrochelys apalachicolae), the Suwannee Alligator Snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis) which is protected in Florida, and the Alligator Snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii).

All three species are protected in Florida, though some states allow the hunting of these giant turtles.

Though these turtles look fearsome and frightening, as long as they are left alone, they are pretty docile, especially when they are in the water. Once they are on land and confronted they will hiss, and open their huge beaked jaws.

If you see these turtles in the wild, it’s best to leave them alone and let them do their turtle business. Females will often leave the water to find appropriate nesting sites or to find another home.

These turtles have immense bite pressure and can snap bones, but most of the time they just want to be left alone and will not attack unless provoked.

In the water, they are ambush predators. They have a worm-like projection on their tongue that they wiggle to attract prey. Fish, frogs, smaller turtles, or other animals that get too close will get snapped up and swallowed.

They can be found in large rivers, swamps, marshes, lakes, and other muddy bottomed waters. Alligator Snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water, and will even bask without leaving the water most of the time.

32-33. Common Snapping Turtle

• Experience level: Intermediate to Expert
• Family: Chelydrida
• Scientific Name: Chelydra Serpentina
• Other Names: Snapping Turtle, Snapper, Eastern Snapping Turtle
• Average Adult Size: 8 to 20 inches
• Life Span: 30 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: Approximately $40 to $120
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Common Snapping turtles are a large, freshwater species that are widespread across Florida. They are similar to Alligator Snapping turtles, but also quite different. Both Snapping turtles have a similar build, but the Common Snapper is smaller, and not as prehistoric looking.

They will still hiss and bite out of the water if handled or threatened, but their bite isn’t as powerful. Be aware that a bite from a Common Snapper will still probably require a visit to the hospital and stitches, so leave them alone if you see them out.

Common Snapping turtles have a small plastron, oversized, strong limbs, and a long, serrated-looking tail. Their carapace is smoother than an Alligator Snapping turtle but may have three ridges. It is olive, dark brown, or black in color, and often covered in algae or mud.

This turtle has a very long neck that it will hide in its shell, and strike out like a snake at food or to defend itself. It has a sharp, curved beak, and the skin can be yellowish, to dark grey.

They have large feet with fearsome looking claws that are used more for digging than defense. A Common Snapping turtle would rather run away than stay and defend itself.

They like to live in slow-moving, or stagnant shallow pools of water. Ponds, streams, and even brackish estuaries are places you might find the Common Snapping turtle. Even if you find its habitat, you may never see it because they rarely come out of the water.

When they do come out of the water it’s to find a suitable place to dig a nest and lay their eggs, or to find a new home. At this time they can travel quite a distance to find the perfect place.

They don’t bask often, but when they do, they come to the surface of the water and only expose their carapace. In colder, Northern regions the Snapper may come out of the water to warm up.

Common Snapping turtles are omnivores but tend to eat more meat such as fish, frogs, crayfish, and even other smaller turtles. They have been known to eat waterfowl, but this is rare as older Snappers are more ambush predators rather than active hunters.

Softshell Turtles in Florida

34. Florida Softshell Turtle

• Experience level: Intermediate
• Family: Trionychidae
• Scientific Name: Apalone ferox
• Other Names: Softshell turtle
• Average Adult Size: 6 – 24 inches
• Life Span: 20 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: approximately $60 – 260
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Florida Softshell turtles are the largest species of Softshell in North America. They are the only type of Softshell turtle native to all regions of Florida, but they can also be found in waterways in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.

A highly aquatic turtle, they are very fast on land and excellent swimmers. They prefer still or slow-moving waters associated with swamps, marshes, lakes, creeks, ponds, and even sinkholes and drainage ditches.

Most Softshell species display a high degree of sexual dimorphism, and the Florida Softshell is no different. Females are often 2 or even 3 times as large as the males.

Softshell turtles have cartilaginous shells that are covered in a leathery skin and are very flat looking compared to other, hard-shelled turtles. Probably because of this lack of protection, these turtles are aggressive out of the water. They will hiss, bite, and scratch with their long claws.

When they are born, the Florida Softshell turtle starts out with an olive, or tan skin and carapace, but they darken over time. Eventually, they become the darkest species of Softshell turtle of them all.

Their plastron is small and white or cream colored. Their skin is similar in color to their carapace, but they have stripes running from the head, down the neck.

The Florida Softshell turtle is mostly carnivorous. They are active hunters and will eat fish, amphibians, mollusks, and occasionally waterfowl. They will also eat some carrion, but not if it’s in an advanced state of decay.

35. Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell

• Experience level: Intermediate
• Family: Trionychidae
• Scientific Name: Apalone calvata
• Other Names: N/A 
• Average Adult Size: 5 – 15 inches
• Life Span: 25 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: $60 -$200
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Gulf Coast Smooth Softshells are found in small pockets of the Florida Panhandle area. They can be found in creeks and rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms. They often avoid waters with rocky bottoms because they can burrow in the substrate.

These turtles are very aquatic and can spend long periods submerged underwater. They are able to breathe through their skin, though they still have to come up for air occasionally.

In some areas, they will hibernate underwater by burying themselves in the sandy, muddy bottoms.

Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell turtles are tan to brown and have darker blotches or patterns on their leathery shells. Like all North American Softshell turtles, the Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell turtle has a long, tapered snout and long claws.

These turtles only grow to about 15 inches long, but again, the females of this species are much larger than the males.

Mostly carnivorous, they will eat insects, worms, mollusks, fish, and tadpoles.

36. Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell

• Experience level: Intermediate
• Family: Trionychidae
• Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera aspera
• Other Names: N/A 
• Average Adult Size: 5 – 19 inches
• Life Span: 25 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: approximately $60 – $200
• Conservation Status: Least concern

Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell turtles are quite similar to the aforementioned Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell, only they have bumpy tubercles along the ridge and running halfway down the carapace, and more colorful markings.

Though similar in color, the Gulf Coast Spiny has ring-like markings on the carapace, and yellowish stripes outlined in black running from the snout to the back of the head. They are also covered in black spots on their heads and limbs.

They are found along sandy or muddy bottomed lakes, streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds. Though very aquatic, this species loves to bask in the sun and will often be seen laying on logs, or along the bank, soaking up the sun.

The Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell turtle is mostly carnivorous and will eat fish, crayfish, and insects. They can be both ambush predators that lay in wait for food to pass by, or actively overturn rocks in search of bugs and other sources of protein.

37. Spotted Turtle

• Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
• Other Names: Polka-dot turtle, “Spotty”
• Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches
• Life Span: Males up to 65 years; females up to 110 years
• Average Price Range: $200 to $300
• Conservation Status: Endangered

The Spotted turtle is a small semi-aquatic species that favors bogs, swamps, wetlands, and other shallow water habitats. They spend as much time in the water as they do out, though they have only been observed eating underwater.

Their smooth, domed, ridgeless shells are dark grey or black and usually covered with eponymous bright yellow dots. They can have up to a hundred spots, or none at all on their shells, but their skin always has them.

Females tend to be “spottier” than males, and often the upper left side has more spots than the right.

These beautiful turtles are often taken from their habitat to be sold as pets, or eaten by predators. Another threat to their population is habitat development and destruction.

Raccoons have become masters of eating these little turtles. They can pry open their shells and eat them. Minks and skunks also sometimes eat adult Spottys, and the tiny babies are prey to a slew of animals.

Spotted turtles are incredibly intelligent. They have been tested in mazes and found to be as intelligent as mice, which are nearly as smart as primates.

Spotted turtles are omnivores that eat exclusively in the water. They will eat mollusks, insects, worms, amphibians, fish, and aquatic vegetation.

Tortoises in Florida

38. Gopher Tortoise

• Experience level: Intermediate
• Family:  Testudinidae
• Scientific Name: Gopherus Polyphemus
• Other Names: Gopher turtle, Florida Gopher tortoise
• Average Adult Size: 9 – 15 inches
• Life Span: 40 – 60 years
• Average Price Range: Illegal to sell, but may be adopted with special permits
• Conservation Status: Threatened

Gopher tortoises are the only tortoise species found in Florida. They are a keystone species, meaning they are a vital part of Florida’s native ecosystem. They constantly dig burrows that provide shelter for over 350 other species of animal.

They also eat many fruits, seeds, and berries and help to distribute native plants across the state. Some seeds often pass through the tortoise’s digestive tract and are deposited elsewhere through their poop.

The Gopher tortoise is distinguished by its dusty or dark brown colored, highly domed carapace, their long necks, and elephant-like limbs. These tortoises can’t swim and spend most of their time in their burrows which can reach lengths of over 40 feet long.

Habitat destruction, predation, and roadway mortalities are the main factors behind their declining numbers. Many animals including crows and ravens feed on the eggs and soft-shelled hatchlings.

Since this species is on the decline, and such an important part of the ecosystem they are highly protected. You can sell, buy, or take them from the wild, but you may be able to adopt them with a special permit.

Gopher tortoises are strictly herbivores. They eat grasses, flowers, leaves, berries, and fruits.

Be careful on roadways and when driving off road so you don’t harm these tortoises. If you see one trying to cross the road, you can help them if it’s safe. Just make sure you help it across in the direction it was headed. When they get turned around, turtles and tortoises will return to the original heading and end up crossing the road again.

Sea Turtles In Florida

39. Green Sea Turtle

• Experience level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
• Other Names: Green Sea Turtle
• Average Adult Size: 3 – 4 feet
• Life Span: 50 – 70 years
• Average Price Range: N/A
• Conservation Status: Endangered

Green Sea turtles can be found on Florida beaches between June and September when they return to lay their eggs. They are large turtles that can grow up to 4 feet long.

Though named the Green Sea turtle, they are usually quite colorful and only have a little green. They are named such because they used to be harvested for their shells and meat. Under their skin, the fat and some of the meat was green because of their diet.

Adult Green Sea turtles consume mainly algae and seagrass, which causes their insides to turn green. Young and adolescents are more omnivorous and tend to consume more protein so they can grow quickly.

All sea turtles are endangered because of coastal development, over harvesting, boating accidents, and getting caught in fishing nets.

40. Hawksbill Sea Turtle

• Experience level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
• Other Names: Hawksbill
• Average Adult Size: 30 – 36 inches
• Life Span: 50 – 60 years
• Average Price Range: N/A
• Conservation Status: Critically endangered

Hawksbill Sea turtles are critically endangered. Though their numbers seem to be slowly increasing, many areas still deal with poachers. These people hunt the hawksbill for their beautiful, marbled shells, and sometimes their meat.

The shells are used to make glasses frames, hair accessories, and other frivolous trinkets. The meat of the hawksbill is said to be mildly poisonous, due to the sea sponges and other foods they ingest.

Hawksbill Sea turtles can sometimes be found off the coast of Florida and may nest along the keys between June and August.

41. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

• Experience level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name:  Lepidochelys kempii
• Other Names: Atlantic Ridley, Tortuga Lora (Mexico)
• Average Adult Size: 24 – 27 inches
• Life Span: 30 years
• Average Price Range: N/A
• Conservation Status: Critically endangered

The Kemps Ridley sea turtle is the most endangered species of sea turtle in the world. They are also the smallest of the sea turtles and the only sea turtle that nests during the day.

When they are born, these little turtles are mostly purple, but they change to grey-green on the carapace, and a white, or yellowish plastron.

Juvenile Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtles feed mostly on crabs, but as they grow to maturity they expand their feeding habits. Adult Kemp’s Ridleys will eat jellyfish, mollusks, sea urchins, algae, seaweed, fish, and crabs.

42. Leatherback Turtle

• Experience level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
• Family: Dermochelyidae
• Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
• Other Names: Atlantic Leatherback, Leatherback
• Average Adult Size: 4 – 8 ft
• Life Span: 30 – 50 years
• Average Price Range: N/A
• Conservation Status:  Endangered

The largest turtle species of them all, the Leatherback sea turtle can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh up to 1500 lbs. These immense animals are turtle record breakers. They prefer the deepest and coldest waters and travel farther than any other turtle alive.

Not only are they the largest turtle of them all, but they can dive the deepest (up to 4000 feet deep) and have the longest front limbs in relation to body size, but they also have a leathery outer covering instead of a hard shell.

They are dark grey to black and have white spots along the upper shell and limbs. A teardrop shaped leathery carapace has 7 distinct ridges that run the length of it.

The reason they can travel so far, withstand cold waters, and dive so deep is because they actually produce warm body temperatures. Reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperatures are subject to outside temperatures. Not so for the Leatherback as its body temperature is 3 times higher than other reptiles their size.

These big beasts eat mostly jellyfish. The large lion’s mane jellyfish is their favorite, but they will also consume sea squirts and sea cucumbers.

Leatherback turtles nest on the eastern coast of Florida, with half of these nests found in Palm Beach.

43. Loggerhead Sea Turtle

• Experience Level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Caretta Caretta
• Other Names: Loggerhead
• Adult Size: 2.5 – 3.5 feet
• Life Span: 70 – 80 years
• Average Price Range: N/A
• Conservation Status: Endangered

The Loggerhead sea turtle is the second largest turtle species in the world. They routinely reach lengths of 3 to 4 feet long, but there are documented Loggerheads that have reached 7 feet in length and weigh over 1200 pounds.

Unfortunately, these sizes are not found nearly as much anymore. The average size of Loggerhead turtles now only surpasses 3 to 4 feet. This is because bigger turtles are quite old, and often are hunted, or accidentally killed in boating incidents or caught in fishing nets.

Loggerhead Sea turtles are the most common sea turtle species observed in Florida and are found nesting along the coast between April and September. They can lay 2 to 4 clutches in one year, then they stop laying for up to 3 years.

Loggerhead turtles have large, muscular heads. They use these muscles and their crushing jaws to crack open shells of whelks, conchs, horseshoe crabs, and other crustaceans.

FAQs

Wrapping up

Well, there we go! Did you make it all the way through this extensive list? Florida really has a diverse population of turtles, and we hope you’ve enjoyed this ride with us.

Turtles need our help and understanding, so if you’re out and you see any around, be respectful. Take pictures for memories, but leave them to their activities.

If you want to own any of these turtles as pets (aside from sea turtles) be sure to do your research. As you can see, some of them get very large and can live for decades. Also, be sure you find a breeder that is licensed and reputable. 

That’s it for this one. Before you go, why not drop up a line and tell us where you’re from and something you love about turtles? We love to hear from our readers.

Other nearby states

• Turtles in Alabama
• Turtles in Georgia
• Turtles in Louisianna
• Turtles in Mississippi
• Turtles in Puerto Rico

Sharing is caring!