Are There Cicadas in Florida?
Cicadas are abundant in Florida and active much of the year in the warmer climate. Multiple species thrive across the state, from the panhandle to the Keys. Florida's subtropical and tropical conditions support year-round cicada presence, with peak activity during summer months and occasional activity even in winter months.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Cassin's 17-year Cicada · Nick Tobler (Cowturtle) CC BY
Dark Lyric Cicada · Cecil Smith CC BY
Prairie Cicada · Peter Chen 2.0 CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 2,974
- GBIF records
- August, July, September
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Florida. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
8,139 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Florida, most often in August, July, September.
When cicada are recorded in Florida
Cicadas are abundant in Florida and active much of the year in the warmer climate. Multiple species thrive across the state, from the panhandle to the Keys. Florida's subtropical and tropical conditions support year-round cicada presence, with peak activity during summer months and occasional activity even in winter months.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Florida
Cicadas occur throughout all of Florida, from the panhandle region near Pensacola and Jacksonville south through central Florida and into the subtropical southern peninsula and Keys. The Everglades ecosystem supports diverse cicada populations in its sawgrass marshes, hardwood hammocks, and cypress swamps. Coastal areas along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including regions near Tampa Bay, Miami, and Naples, host abundant cicada species. North-central Florida's forests around Ocala and the Ocala National Forest provide excellent cicada habitat. The cypress and mangrove swamps of southwest Florida, including Big Cypress National Preserve, support specialized cicada species adapted to wet conditions. Upland hardwood forests and pine scrub habitats throughout central Florida also contain active populations. Even in the Florida Keys, where habitat is more limited, cicadas appear on the larger islands. Visit/wildlife/floridato explore the diversity of insects and wildlife across the state.
Season and Timing
Florida's warm climate means cicadas can be active throughout much of the year, unlike their limited summer presence in northern states. Peak cicada activity occurs from May through September, with the loudest sounds typically heard from July through August. Some species emerge earlier, beginning in April, while others remain active into October. In mild or warm winters, cicadas may be heard sporadically even in winter months, particularly in southern Florida and the Keys. The timing depends on soil temperature and moisture, both of which remain favorable longer in Florida than in other states. Once emerged, adult cicadas live for four to six weeks. The combination of Florida's long growing season, year-round warmth, and humidity creates ideal conditions for sustained cicada populations. Learn more about seasonal activity patterns at/wildlife/florida/cicada.
How to Identify a Cicada
Florida cicadas are sturdy insects ranging from one to two inches in length, with strong bodies and clear or smoky wings held tent-like over their backs. Most species are brown, tan, or black, though some display red or greenish coloring on parts of the body or head. Males produce the loud buzzing and rasping calls characteristic of cicadas using drumlike membranes called tymbals on their abdomens, while females are silent. Cicada eyes are simple and arranged on the head differently from other insects, and their legs are short and suited for climbing tree bark. The wings show distinctive vein patterns that vary by species. Molted exoskeletons are common discoveries on tree trunks and vegetation, appearing as hollow, papery, tan-brown shells about one to two inches long. These shells often cluster together on trees, fences, and wooden structures where nymphs completed their final molt. For more on cicada in Florida, see ourFlorida cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Florida
In Florida, cicadas concentrate in areas with trees and woody vegetation. Oak, pine, cypress, mangrove, and hardwood forests throughout the state consistently host active populations. The hardwood hammocks and mixed forests of north-central Florida around Ocala and the Ocala National Forest provide prime habitat. In south Florida, the Everglades' cypress domes, mangrove islands, and hardwood hammocks support specialized species. Coastal hammock forests near Tampa Bay, the Gulf Coast, and Atlantic beaches attract cicadas. Urban and suburban areas with mature trees, including oak, ash, pine, and fruit trees, regularly host cicada activity. Private yards with established trees often experience significant cicada presence. Wetland edges where trees meet marsh or swamp habitats create productive zones for different species. Explore/wildlifeto find the range of insects that populate Florida's varied ecosystems and habitats.
Typical Cicada Behavior
Cicadas spend most of their lives as underground nymphs, feeding on root sap from trees and woody plants. The duration underground varies by species and climate, ranging from two to five years in Florida depending on conditions. Once they emerge and molt into adults, cicadas are focused entirely on finding mates and reproducing. Males produce their loud buzzing and rasping sounds to attract females. After mating, females use a saw-like ovipositor to cut slits in tree bark and twigs where they lay eggs. The eggs typically hatch in a few weeks. Adult cicadas feed on plant sap by piercing plant tissue with their needle-like mouthparts, but they cause minimal damage to healthy trees and plants. Cicadas are weak fliers and spend most time climbing in vegetation. They are attracted to lights at night and may congregate around outdoor lighting or street lamps throughout their emergence period. You can also browseFlorida wildlife.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and wildlife handlers need have no concern about safety. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to people or pets. While their loud sounds can reach 80 to 90 decibels in groups, comparable to heavy traffic or lawn equipment, this noise is normal and temporary. Florida has no restrictions on cicadas because they are native insects and provide ecological benefits. They serve as food for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, supporting the food chain. Large predatory wasps called cicada killer wasps hunt cicadas, but these wasps are solitary and not aggressive toward humans. If cicada egg-laying damage to ornamental trees is a concern, netting young trees or protecting bark with sleeves can help. Most established trees recover easily from minor egg-laying damage. Cicadas should be appreciated as natural components of Florida's wildlife. Their presence indicates healthy ecosystems and natural ecological processes at work.
Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Cicadas are sometimes confused with grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids because all produce vocalizations associated with warm weather and summer evenings. However, grasshoppers have long hind legs adapted for jumping and chirp by rubbing legs together. Crickets have long antennae and make sounds by rubbing wings together, producing different patterns than cicadas. Katydids have large, leaf-like wings and are often green, producing a distinctive "katy-did" call. Florida also has cicada killer wasps, which are large solitary wasps that hunt cicadas but are entirely different insects. These wasps do not form colonies and pose minimal threat to humans. Some people confuse cicada exit holes on tree bark with damage from bark beetles or other pests. Cicada holes are typically quarter-inch in diameter, circular, and appear in neat groupings on soil near trees. Understanding these differences helps people correctly identify cicadas and avoid unnecessary concern about their presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are cicadas so loud in Florida? A: Male cicadas produce loud buzzing and rasping sounds using drumlike structures called tymbals on their abdomens. These sounds serve to attract females for mating. Different species have distinct call patterns. Q: Can cicadas damage my trees or property? A: Cicadas lay eggs in tree bark, which may cause minor twig damage, but healthy mature trees recover without treatment. Newly planted or stressed trees may suffer more noticeable harm. Q: Are cicadas active year-round in Florida? A: Yes, cicadas can be active throughout much of the year in Florida due to the warm climate, though peak activity is May through September. Some species emerge earlier or later depending on their life cycle. Q: What should I do if cicadas are on my property? A: Cicadas are harmless and provide food for birds and wildlife. They require no control or management. Collect and save shed exoskeletons as natural artifacts from/wildlife/florida/cicadaif desired.
Plan your cicada sighting in Florida
2,974 verified cicada records have been logged in Florida, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Florida
- Big Cypress National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Biscayne National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Canaveral National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dry Tortugas National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Everglades National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Gulf Islands National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Florida