Frogs in Florida: identification guide and best places to start
Frogs do show up in Florida, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Greenhouse Frog 路 Alex Abair CC BY
Cuban Tree Frog 路 Sandra H Statner CC BY
Cuban Tree Frog 路 Public domain CC0
- 8
- species recorded
- May, September, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
31 types of frogs recorded in Florida
31 frog species have a verified observation record in Florida, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
5 of the 31 shown are recorded as introduced to Florida rather than native, and 1 is endemic to Florida, found here and effectively nowhere else.
- 1
2
3
4- 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Also recorded in Florida
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | American BullfrogLithobates catesbeianus | Lithobates catesbeianus | 2,364 |
| 14 | Eastern SpadefootScaphiopus holbrookii | Scaphiopus holbrookii | 2,023 |
| 15 | Barking Tree FrogDryophytes gratiosus | Dryophytes gratiosus | 1,231 |
| 16 | Green FrogNativeLithobates clamitans | Lithobates clamitans | 984 |
| 17 | Little Grass FrogNativePseudacris ocularis | Pseudacris ocularis | 412 |
| 18 | Cope's Gray Tree FrogDryophytes chrysoscelis | Dryophytes chrysoscelis | 368 |
| 19 | Spring PeeperPseudacris crucifer | Pseudacris crucifer | 342 |
| 20 | Gopher FrogLithobates capito | Lithobates capito | 321 |
| 21 | River FrogLithobates heckscheri | Lithobates heckscheri | 265 |
| 22 | Ornate Chorus FrogPseudacris ornata | Pseudacris ornata | 153 |
| 23 | Southern Chorus FrogPseudacris nigrita | Pseudacris nigrita | 137 |
| 24 | Bird-voiced TreefrogDryophytes avivoca | Dryophytes avivoca | 54 |
| 25 | Giant ToadIntroducedRhinella horribilis | Rhinella horribilis | 48 |
| 26 | Gulf Coast ToadIntroducedIncilius nebulifer | Incilius nebulifer | 32 |
| 27 | Upland Chorus FrogPseudacris feriarum | Pseudacris feriarum | 27 |
| 28 | Pine barrens tree frogDryophytes andersonii | Dryophytes andersonii | 26 |
| 29 | Florida Bog FrogEndemicLithobates okaloosae | Lithobates okaloosae | 20 |
| 30 | Fowler's ToadAnaxyrus fowleri | Anaxyrus fowleri | 19 |
| 31 | Northern Cricket FrogAcris crepitans | Acris crepitans | 15 |
Plus 8 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
105,996 verified observations on iNaturalist of frog have been recorded in Florida, most often in May, September, June.
When frog are recorded in Florida
Frogs do show up in Florida, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
1. Where are the best places to spot frogs in Florida?
Start with any permanent or seasonal water source. Retention ponds, roadside ditches, marshes, and cypress swamps are all reliable. On thewildlife page for Floridayou'll find park recommendations, but many frogs show up right in suburban backyards after a good rain.
2. What time of year are frogs most active in Florida?
Frogs breed during warm, wet months. Peak activity runs from March through September, with the highest numbers after heavy afternoon thunderstorms. On humid nights at 70掳F or above, almost every species will be calling. Winter months are quiet, though some species like the Southern Leopard Frog can appear during mild spells.
3. How can I identify Florida frogs by their calls?
Each species has a distinct vocalization. The Cuban Tree Frog makes a loud, raspy "rrrreeeek," while the Green Tree Frog gives a short, nasal "queenk-queenk." For a deeper dive into frog biology and species profiles, visit ourfrog hub page. Start with the calls of the most common species and you'll quickly learn to separate them.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What are the most common frog species I'll see in Florida?
The most frequently encountered are the Green Tree Frog, Squirrel Tree Frog, Cuban Tree Frog (invasive), Southern Leopard Frog, and the Pig Frog. Size and color vary: tree frogs are small with sticky toe pads, while Pig Frogs can be as big as your hand. Pay attention to eye color and dorsal ridges for finer identification.
5. How can I attract frogs to my backyard in Florida?
Provide a shallow water source like a birdbath or small pond with sloping sides. Keep leaf litter and low vegetation for cover. Avoid pesticides and turn off outdoor lights that attract insects. Frogs will move in naturally. For more habitat tips, check ourbackyard wildlife guide(link to frog hub again). By the way, Florida is also great for spottingbald eaglesand other birds.
6. What should I look for when trying to identify a frog in the wild?
Focus on size, color, and markings. Tree frogs are typically under 2 inches, often with bright green or brown skin and large toe pads. Leopard frogs have distinct spots and a white line on the upper lip. Pig frogs are large and olive-colored. Listen for the call and check the habitat - arboreal frogs are usually in trees, while aquatic frogs stay near water.
7. What frog art can help me remember Florida's species?
If you want a visual reminder of the frogs you see, consider a high-quality print. Easy Street Markets offers several frog-themed art prints that make great additions to a field journal or home wall. Here are two popular picks:
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A detailed illustration of one of Florida's most striking tree frogs. Perfect for a natural history display.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
Showcases a rare species found in the Florida panhandle. Great for collectors.Check Price and Availability
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire on Artfully Walls
A whimsical illustration that captures the personality of a backyard frog.Check Price and Availability
Browse moreart printsandwildlife shirtsat Easy Street Markets.
8. Frequently asked questions about Florida frogs
**Are there poisonous frogs in Florida?** Only the Cane Toad (a toad, not a true frog) produces a toxic substance, and it's mostly dangerous to pets. Most native frogs are harmless.
**What is the largest frog in Florida?** The Pig Frog (Lithobates grylio) can reach up to 6 inches in body length, not counting legs.
**Can I keep a wild frog as a pet?** It's best to admire them in the wild. Many species are protected, and captive care is tricky. Instead, consider a print or shirt to celebrate them.
**Do frogs hibernate in Florida?** Florida's mild winters mean frogs remain active year-round, though activity slows during cold snaps.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see frog in Florida: May, September, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your frog sighting in Florida
Where to look in Florida
- Big Cypress National Preserve 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Biscayne National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Canaveral National Seashore 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Dry Tortugas National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Everglades National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Gulf Islands National Seashore 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What frog species live in Florida?+
Start with any permanent or seasonal water source. Retention ponds, roadside ditches, marshes, and cypress swamps are all reliable. On thewildlife page for Floridayou'll find park recommendations, but many frogs show up right in suburban backyards after a good rain.
Where can you see frogs in Florida?+
Start with any permanent or seasonal water source. Retention ponds, roadside ditches, marshes, and cypress swamps are all reliable. On thewildlife page for Floridayou'll find park recommendations, but many frogs show up right in suburban backyards after a good rain.
When is the best time to see frogs in Florida?+
Start with any permanent or seasonal water source. Retention ponds, roadside ditches, marshes, and cypress swamps are all reliable. On thewildlife page for Floridayou'll find park recommendations, but many frogs show up right in suburban backyards after a good rain.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Florida