4 Types of Squirrels in Florida
Yes, squirrels are ubiquitous across Florida, from the panhandle to the keys. These active and agile rodents are found in almost every habitat, including urban parks, forests, and residential yards. This guide covers the common kinds of squirrels you will encounter in the Sunshine State.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- October, April, March
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
4 types of squirrels recorded in Florida
4 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Florida across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 1 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
36,860 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Florida, most often in October, April, March.
When squirrel are recorded in Florida
Yes, squirrels are ubiquitous across Florida, from the panhandle to the keys. These active and agile rodents are found in almost every habitat, including urban parks, forests, and residential yards. This guide covers the common kinds of squirrels you will encounter in the Sunshine State.
What are the most common squirrel species in Florida?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread and frequently seen species throughout the state. The fox squirrel is also common, especially in more open pine forests and pastures; they are larger and have more variable color patterns. Southern flying squirrels are also present but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal.
Where are the best places to see squirrels in Florida?
You can find squirrels in almost any park or wooded area in Florida. Local spots like Lake Eola Park in Orlando or the many city parks in Miami are teeming with gray squirrels. For fox squirrels, check the more rural areas and state forests like the Withlacoochee State Forest. Check ourFlorida wildlife guidefor more location ideas.
How can you identify different squirrel types in Florida?
Size and color are the best indicators. Gray squirrels are medium-sized with a mostly gray coat and a white belly. Fox squirrels are much larger and can range in color from reddish-brown to almost black, often with a white nose and ears. Flying squirrels are small with large eyes and a skin membrane for gliding. For more identification tips, see oursquirrel identification guide.
What is the role of squirrels in Florida's ecosystem?
Squirrels are important seed dispersers. They bury acorns and other nuts as a food source but often forget where they hid them, allowing new trees to grow. They also provide a food source for many predators, including hawks, owls, and snakes, making them a key part of the natural food web across the state.
Squirrel-themed gifts for animal lovers
If you enjoy the antics of squirrels in your yard, you might like these themed items for your home or as a gift.
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder []() A practical and fun way to manage wildlife in your yard. Keeps the birds fed while challenging the clever squirrels. Check Price and Availability
When are squirrels most active in Florida?
Squirrels in Florida are active year-round and do not hibernate. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. During the hottest part of the summer days, they can often be seen resting in the shade of trees to stay cool. They are especially busy in the fall as they gather food for the winter.
Are there flying squirrels in Florida?
Yes, southern flying squirrels are found throughout Florida. They are smaller than gray squirrels and have a specialized membrane that allows them to glide from tree to tree. Because they are strictly nocturnal, they are rarely seen by humans unless they are disturbed from their nests in tree cavities.
What do Florida squirrels eat?
Squirrels in Florida have a varied diet that includes acorns, pine seeds, berries, and fungi. They are also known to eat insects and occasionally bird eggs. In urban areas, they are opportunistic and will happily visit bird feeders or scavenge for food scraps. They are highly adaptable to whatever food sources are available.
How can I identify a Sherman's fox squirrel in Florida?
Sherman's fox squirrel is a large subspecies found in central and south Florida. They are identifiable by their impressive size and their distinctive black and tan coat, often with a white nose and ears. They prefer open pine-oak habitats and are a state-listed species of special concern due to habitat loss.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common squirrel species in Florida?+
The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread and frequently seen species throughout the state. The fox squirrel is also common, especially in more open pine forests and pastures; they are larger and have more variable color patterns. Southern flying squirrels are also present but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal.
Where are the best places to see squirrels in Florida?+
You can find squirrels in almost any park or wooded area in Florida. Local spots like Lake Eola Park in Orlando or the many city parks in Miami are teeming with gray squirrels. For fox squirrels, check the more rural areas and state forests like the Withlacoochee State Forest. Check ourFlorida wildlife guidefor more location ideas.
How can you identify different squirrel types in Florida?+
Size and color are the best indicators. Gray squirrels are medium-sized with a mostly gray coat and a white belly. Fox squirrels are much larger and can range in color from reddish-brown to almost black, often with a white nose and ears. Flying squirrels are small with large eyes and a skin membrane for gliding. For more identification tips, see oursquirrel identification guide.
What is the role of squirrels in Florida's ecosystem?+
Squirrels are important seed dispersers. They bury acorns and other nuts as a food source but often forget where they hid them, allowing new trees to grow. They also provide a food source for many predators, including hawks, owls, and snakes, making them a key part of the natural food web across the state.
When are squirrels most active in Florida?+
Squirrels in Florida are active year-round and do not hibernate. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. During the hottest part of the summer days, they can often be seen resting in the shade of trees to stay cool. They are especially busy in the fall as they gather food for the winter.
Are there flying squirrels in Florida?+
Yes, southern flying squirrels are found throughout Florida. They are smaller than gray squirrels and have a specialized membrane that allows them to glide from tree to tree. Because they are strictly nocturnal, they are rarely seen by humans unless they are disturbed from their nests in tree cavities.
What do Florida squirrels eat?+
Squirrels in Florida have a varied diet that includes acorns, pine seeds, berries, and fungi. They are also known to eat insects and occasionally bird eggs. In urban areas, they are opportunistic and will happily visit bird feeders or scavenge for food scraps. They are highly adaptable to whatever food sources are available.
How can I identify a Sherman's fox squirrel in Florida?+
Sherman's fox squirrel is a large subspecies found in central and south Florida. They are identifiable by their impressive size and their distinctive black and tan coat, often with a white nose and ears. They prefer open pine-oak habitats and are a state-listed species of special concern due to habitat loss.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Florida