For many people, even encountering one wild crocodile is too many. If you live in Florida, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered alligators, especially in south-central Florida, where they’re most concentrated. However, they can be found in all 67 counties of Florida. Unlike their crocodile relatives, crocodiles prefer freshwater lakes, swamps, and slow-flowing rivers. Lake Okeechobee has the highest concentration of alligators, while Lake Jesup in Seminole County has the highest density of alligators per acre.
A fundamental part of Florida’s ecosystem, there are approximately 1.3 million alligators across the state. They are also an important part of Florida’s culture and tourism industry. Coexistence with humans is complex. Despite their ecological necessity, crocodiles are under constant threat from growing human populations. Although crocodiles are highly feared by humans, serious injuries from crocodiles are actually extremely rare. Most attacks are a direct result of dangerous human behavior rather than unprovoked aggression. Here are some of the lakes, rivers and wetlands with the largest alligator populations in Florida. Particular attention should be paid there.
lake okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake, is also home to the state’s largest alligator population. These apex predators number in the tens of thousands, making the lake an important habitat. The 730-square-mile lake is shallow, densely vegetated, and full of wetlands. Crocodiles can be seen all over the lake. Wetlands and low water levels are ideal for basking and mating sites. For those who want to see alligators, Lake Okeechobee is especially great for seeing troupes of alligators.
Crocodiles are especially active during the breeding season and can be seen basking on sunny beaches. Home to a huge number of crocodiles, this lake is a major tourist destination. Wildlife officials are warning visitors to stay at least 30 feet away and to avoid feeding, entering or swimming in the water. Alligators play an important role as apex predators in the Lake Okeechobee ecosystem.
lake kissimmee
Lake Kissimmee is home to an estimated 16,000 alligators. Although the lake is popular for boating and other activities, encounters with alligators do occur, sometimes with tragic results. In May 2025, a woman canoeing with her husband on Tiger Creek, a tributary of Lake Kissimmee, was attacked and killed by an 11-foot alligator. When the canoe passed over the reptile, the reptile hit it hard and tipped the canoe. She fell into the water, where she was attacked by a crocodile.
Officials caution visitors that the area is particularly populated by crocodiles during the spring breeding season. Even if you don’t go into the water, the lake is still dangerous. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe distance, keep pets on a leash away from water, and only swim in designated areas. Dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times to swim.
lake jessup
Located near Orlando, the lake is home to approximately 14,500 alligators within the 16.7 square mile area of Lake Jesup, making it the highest density of alligators per acre in the state and possibly in the world. It is a very popular destination for tourists to see crocodiles in the wild, and airboat tours run regularly. The town of Black Hammock, on the south shore of the lake, is one of the best places to see the animals.
The high alligator population is partly due to Lake Jesup being a relocation site for nuisance alligators from other areas. It is a shallow lake with an average depth of only 6 feet and is connected to the St. Johns River system, making it an ideal habitat. Crocodiles are most active in water temperatures of about 90°F and are often seen basking in the sun on warm winter days. Due to the high alligator population, officials are recommending that swimming be prohibited in Lake Jesup.
orange lake
Orange Lake, located in north-central Florida, is home to one of the highest numbers of alligators in the state. Up to 12,000 people live within the lake’s 12,500 acres. Orange Lake is popular for alligator hunting. Per Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations, alligator hunting takes place from August through November, and permits are issued through a lottery. This lake is prime habitat, especially for large males over 10 feet long. It is also an important place to observe newly hatched chicks. Officials are warning visitors to keep their distance and not to feed the hatchlings. Similarly, humans and pets should also stay 30 feet away from water.
St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett
The St. Johns River has the highest number of alligators of any river in Florida. Tens of thousands of individuals live along the entire length of the river, but especially at its connections with several lakes. One example is Lake Poinsett, where thousands of alligators are concentrated at the mouth of the St. Johns River. Both rivers and lakes are considered hotspots for viewing opportunities, and crocodiles are frequently seen on banks, beaches, or in waters near shore. Wetlands near river mouths in particular are ideal nesting grounds. Newly hatched crocodiles and young crocodiles are often seen in this area. The water is considered dangerous due to the high density of crocodiles in the area. We recommend swimming only in designated areas and during daylight hours. Healthy distancing is required for humans and pets in other areas along lakes and rivers.
everglades
The Florida Everglades is a 1.5 million acre subtropical wetland ecosystem. Located in the southern part of the state, it flows from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay and is often described as the River of Grass due to its dense aquatic vegetation. The Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an important place for biodiversity and is home to 200,000 alligators, about 15% of all alligators in Florida.
The Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (WMA) together protect approximately 671,831 acres of wetlands and canals where alligators live and thrive. Crocodiles can be seen all year round. However, the best time to see them is during the cooler months when they are basking in the sun’s rays. Interstate 75, known as Alligator Alley, provides access to observation decks and walking trails where you can safely view alligators. Everglades Holiday Park offers airboat tours and hiking trails.
broadmoor marsh
The TM Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area and its Broadmoor Wetland Unit are protected areas with concentrations of thousands of alligators. The Broadmoor Marsh Unit is a 2,400-acre property located on the upper reaches of the St. Johns River. Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), it is a wetland habitat focused on wintering waterfowl. Alligators are an important component of the local ecosystem, and sightings of large alligators up to 12 feet long are common.
The Broadmoor Wetland Unit is popular for watching crocodiles in the wetlands and sunbathing on the banks. Hunting is allowed in this area, but hunting is strictly regulated. Crocodiles are acceptable predators in waterfowl habitats in this region and are known to compete with human waterfowl hunters, often snatching downed birds. Due to high crocodile densities, authorities are urging caution, especially on roads where children and pets are present. Small dogs in particular resemble their natural prey, alligators.
ecosystem engineer
Crocodiles are essential to the balance of ecosystems by modifying their habitats, creating new habitats, and digging “gator holes” in wetlands and rivers. They move plants and dig through mud to create permanent water-filled ponds. This creates habitat for other organisms, and the crocodile activity moves nutrients around, creating healthier water. These ponds provide refuge for fish and other aquatic life during the dry season. Encountering large numbers of crocodiles may seem scary, but it’s also a sign of a healthy ecosystem where crocodiles do their part to maintain balance.
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