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 Of the 26 turtle species found in or around Florida, 18 are freshwater turtle species.
Turtles are reptiles and are generally distinguished by a hard shell, but the
softshell
turtles have a rubbery shell that allows them to both bury themselves in the
sand and swim very fast.
Florida's aquatic turtles may
walk slowly on land but are quicker in the water, and have webs between
their toes to help them swim. Not included among the freshwater turtles are
5 species of marine turtles,
the brackish-water
diamondback terrapin,
and 2 species that prefer life on dry land - the
gopher
tortoise and box turtle.
Turtles are usually not a threat to humans, but you should
not underestimate the powerful jaws of the Florida
snapping turtle, the
alligator
snapping turtle, or the Florida softshell turtle. The Florida Fish
& Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates all turtle harvest, which is closed
for softshell turtles and their eggs during May 1 through July 31, and river cooters
may not be taken 15 April - 31 July. You may see possession
limits and the rules concerning reptiles here.
Several freshwater turtle species are protected in Florida;
the Lower Keys population of the striped mud turtle is endangered, and the alligator snapping turtle,
Barbour's map turtle, Suwannee cooter, and gopher tortoise are species of
special concern. In Florida, it is
illegal to take, possess, transport, or sell gopher tortoises, or their eggs,
except as authorized by the FWC.
More Information
Common
turtles of Corkscrew swamp, Collier County, Florida
"The Turtle Pages"
Alabama’s
freshwater turtles
Georgia's turtles
Florida turtle
online coloring book
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