Much of the lizard control methods in Florida involve exclusion to keep lizards out of your home and off your property. Many nuisance lizards in Florida can be trapped and removed as long as it is done within state guidelines. Of course, it is always best to call a professional, because many of the lizards can be hazardous to handle.
Florida is home to a remarkably diverse population of lizards. Over 80 species of lizards can be found in the Sunshine State, making it the lizard capital of the United States. Some lizards are native to Florida while others have been introduced. This article will provide an overview of the most common lizard species found in Florida, where they can be spotted, and how to identify them.
Native Lizards of Florida
Roughly 30 species of lizards are native to Florida. These include some of the state’s most iconic and easily recognizable reptiles.
Green Anole
The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is one of the most abundant lizards in Florida. It grows to around 8 inches in length and can change color from brown to bright green. The throat of the male is red while the female has a pale throat. Green anoles are adept climbers and usually found on trees and shrubs. They can occur in both urban and natural areas statewide.
Brown Anole
Similar in appearance to the green anole is the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). As the name suggests, this species has a brown body with a white/yellow diamond pattern on the back. The male has an orange or red throat. Brown anoles tend to be more terrestrial than green anoles and widespread in peninsular Florida.
Six-lined Racerunner
The six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) is a very fast-moving lizard with six yellow/green stripes along its body and tail. It inhabits dry, open sandy areas with sparse vegetation. Six-lined racerunners occur in suitable habitat throughout peninsular Florida.
Southeastern Five-lined Skink
As a juvenile, the southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus) has five prominent white stripes down a black body and a bright blue tail. Adults fade to brown or gray with faint striping. This medium-sized skink is common in forested areas statewide.
Eastern Glass Lizard
The eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) resembles a snake but is actually a legless lizard. It has a greenish brown body with dark stripes and can grow over 3 feet in length. Despite the name glass lizards do not break apart like glass. They prefer sandy habitats and coastal dunes.
Florida Scrub Lizard
The aptly named Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is a small grayish brown lizard limited to Florida’s scrub habitat It has brown stripes along the body. Males have turquoise patches on the throat absent in females. This species can be locally common within remaining scrub patches
Florida Worm Lizard
The Florida worm lizard (Rhineura floridana) is a endemic legless lizard with a pinkish body shovel-shaped snout and reduced eyes. As the name suggests, it lives underground and emerges only during wet weather. Florida worm lizards occur sporadically throughout the state.
Introduced Lizards of Florida
Over 50 non-native lizard species now call Florida home. Some arrived accidentally while others were intentionally released. Several alien lizards have flourished and spread widely across the state.
Green Iguana
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large lizard from Central America that can reach over 5 feet in length and 17 lbs in weight. Various color forms exist from green to grayish. Green iguanas are herbivores often found in trees near water. This species is now well-established in South Florida and the Tampa Bay area.
Brown Basilisk
The brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) is an impressive lizard from Central America growing up to 2 feet long. It has tan to brown bodies with stripes, a high crest on the head, back, and tail. Brown basilisks can famously run short distances on water. They’ve colonized urban areas of South Florida.
Curly-tailed Lizards
Two curly-tailed lizard species have been introduced to Florida. The northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus) and red-sided curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus schreibersii) are both stout bodied with characteristically curled tails. They’ve displaced native lizards in parts of the state.
Knight Anole
The knight anole (Anolis equestris) from Cuba is the largest anole lizard, reaching up to 20 inches long. It has a green body, pink throat fan, and yellow stripes on the head and shoulder. Knight anoles are common in urban areas of South Florida where they perch high on trees and buildings.
Argentine Black & White Tegu
An escaped pet, the Argentine black & white tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large lizard from South America that can reach over 4 feet long. As the name suggests, it has a black and white banded pattern and powerful jaws. Tegus prey on native wildlife and their populations are increasing in South Florida.
House Geckos
Several house geckos have colonized buildings in Florida, especially in urban areas. Common introduced species include the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) and tropical house gecko (H. mabouia). They are typically light brown and hunt insects at night near lights.
Nile Monitor
The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is Florida’s largest introduced lizard, potentially reaching over 7 feet long. Native to Africa, these massive lizards are dark in color with yellow spots and patterns. Nile monitors are predators of birds, small mammals, and other reptiles. Their populations appear to be increasing in South Florida.
Identifying Lizards In Florida
With so many lizard species present, identification can be challenging. Here are some tips:
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Note key features like leglessness (glass lizard), curly tail (curly-tailed lizards), six stripes (six-lined racerunner), or throat color (anoles).
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Consider the habitat. For example, scrub lizards only occur in scrub while green iguanas frequent trees near water.
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Check the range maps in field guides as many species have limited distributions in Florida.
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Size can help narrow it down. Lizards range from just a few inches (house geckos) to over 5 feet (Nile monitor).
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If possible, get pictures from multiple angles along with close ups of the head and any distinctive markings.
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Consult experts for help with identification. Local nature centers or university herpetology programs are great resources.
The lizard fauna of Florida is endlessly fascinating. This overview covers just a sample of the many species that inhabit the state, both native and introduced. Getting to know Florida’s lizards takes time and patience, but the rewards of understanding these remarkable reptiles are well worth the effort. So keep your eyes peeled the next time you are outdoors in the Sunshine State!
Hazardous & Invasive Lizards
Iguanas, Nile monitors and tegus all have sharp teeth, hazardous claws and powerful tails that pack quite a wollup.
Nile Monitor Lizard Near Water
There are not any known “venomous” lizards in Florida at this time, at least according to the definition of what “venomous” actually means, however, some of the states nuisance lizards do have a toxic saliva that can be transmitted via bites and handling. Their toxic saliva can make you very sick, for instance, if you are bitten by a Nile monitor you are advised to seek medical help immediately.
There are some smaller lizards and geckos that may look harmless when in fact they are not. The tokay gecko like the one shown in the photo below looks cute and has an almost comical appearance, however, a tokay gecko has teeth, will bite and wont let go. If a tokay gecko grabs a hold of you, just about the only way to make it let go is to hold it under water. In short, you do not want to mess with the wrong lizard.
Tokay Gecko On Door
Nuisance lizards thrive in Floridas warm sun, like to take advantage of the areas plentiful food supply, and hide in its lush vegetation.
A non-native lizard population can increase at an alarming rate under those circumstances, particularly when the population controls that kept the animal under control in its native homeland are no longer available to keep them in check here. The numbers have increased so rapidly as a matter of fact, that in many cases wildlife control professionals have given up on trying to eradicate them from the area (there are just too many) and have switched to looking for ways to control them instead.
Brown Anole In Garden
Several species come to mind including the Nile monitor, green iguana, black spiny tailed iguana and brown anole (see photo above).
It is legal to trap and remove most of the non-native lizards in Florida, however, they are protected by Floridas anti-cruelty laws and those guidelines must be followed. Most of the non-native lizards of Florida could be viewed as “invasive” and relocation is not allowed.
When getting rid of iguanas or any other lizards in Florida the set guidelines must be followed or you will be in violation of the law. This in itself, is a good reason to turn to a professional for help – one that knows and understand the legal guidelines within which they must work.
Green Iguana In Suburban Florida
Getting rid of iguanas and lizards via trapping will often solve the problem temporarily, however, more will quickly move in to take their place and the removal process, will have to start all over again. It is better to proof your property and discourage lizards from coming around in the first place, so before you have a problem, or right after you have removed one we always recommend taking preventative steps.
The Wildlife Whisper can help you with home modifications, proofing lanais and other steps toward lizard exclusion. Keeping lizards out is something we love to do. We can help you remove your lizards, but more importantly, we can keep them from coming back.
Florida woman spots Monitor lizard
FAQ
What is the common lizard in Florida?
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Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei):
- Introduced to Florida from Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.
- Now very common in many developed areas of Florida.
- Males have bright reddish-orange and yellow dewlaps.
- Individuals vary in shades of brown, tan, and black, with various patterns and markings.
- They are small lizards, with adults growing to 5-8 inches long.
- They cannot change color, unlike the green anole.
- They are known for their rapid reproduction rate and have an advantage over green anoles.
- They are found in both disturbed and natural habitats.
- They are small and can be very abundant, especially in suburban areas, and many animals prey upon them.
- Introduced to Florida from Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.
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Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis):
- Native to Florida and the southeastern US.
- Can change color from green to brown, but they are not related to chameleons.
- They are diurnal and eat a wide range of insects and other arthropods.
- Males have a solid pink dewlap.
- They are great climbers and can be found in both natural and suburban habitats.
- They are not a dangerous species and don’t produce any toxins or venom.
- Native to Florida and the southeastern US.
What are the invasive lizards in Florida?
Argentine black and white tegus are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife.
How to get a Florida lizard out of your house?
- Use pepper spray. Pepper spray is the greatest option if you don’t want to become a lizard murderer. …
- Place onions and garlic. …
- Use naphthalene balls. …
- Reduce room temperature. …
- Dispose unused food. …
- Vent kitchen cabinets. …
- Use peacock feathers. …
- Other ways.
Are anoles safe to touch?
Is an anole poisonous? Anole lizards are not poisonous. Even if you are bitten by an anole, they do not pose harm to people or pets.Jan 23, 2025
What are some of the most dangerous lizards in Florida?
The Florida Reef Gecko is the only gecko native to Florida, making it at risk of endangerment due to the rising sea levels across the US. Florida also has the largest number of invasive lizards, posing a threat to the entire ecosystem.
What are the most common types of lizards in Florida?
Brown Anole This reptile is mostly native to Cuba and the Bahamas but is possibly the most common type of Lizard in Florida. The Brown Anole was first introduced to Florida in late 1800 when cargo ships from the Caribbean were first brought to the Florida Keys.
How did brown anoles become the most prevalent lizard in Florida?
The brown anole, which originated in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas, was imported to Florida around a century ago and is now the most prevalent lizard in many developed parts of the state. Brown anoles have the edge over green anoles due to their quick reproduction rate and predation on juvenile green anoles.