The most alligators in Florida are found primarily in large lakes, rivers, and wetlands across the state, with some specific locations having notably dense populations:
- Lake Okeechobee : This is Florida's largest freshwater lake and has the highest alligator population in the state. Estimates suggest around 30,000 alligators live there, with about 9,300 counted officially. Its marshy shoreline provides ideal habitat for alligators
- Lake Kissimmee : Located in Central Florida, this lake has the most alligators in that region, with over 15,400 counted
- Lake Jesup : Northeast of Orlando, Lake Jesup is known for having one of the densest alligator populations due to conservation efforts, with nearly 12,000 counted
- Orange Lake : Near Gainesville, it hosts over 11,500 alligators and is noted for having the largest alligator ever recorded in Florida
- St. Johns River : The longest river in Florida, it has the most alligators among rivers, with over 5,100 counted
- Other rivers with significant alligator populations include the Kissimmee River (2,387 alligators), Harney River (1,579), Withlacoochee River (596), and Myakka River (239)
- Everglades National Park : Home to the largest alligator population in Florida overall, the park spans 1.5 million acres of swamps, wetlands, and mangroves, providing a vast natural habitat for alligators and even crocodiles
Overall, Florida has about 1.3 million alligators spread throughout its lakes, rivers, wetlands, and even urban areas, making it the second-largest alligator population in the U.S. after Louisiana
Summary of Top Alligator Hotspots in Florida
Location| Approximate Alligator Count| Notes
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Lake Okeechobee| ~30,000 (9,300 counted)| Largest freshwater lake
Lake Kissimmee| 15,404| Central Florida's largest count
Lake Jesup| 11,881| Dense population due to refuge
Orange Lake| 11,544| Near Gainesville
St. Johns River| 5,109| Longest river, most alligator-rich river
Everglades National Park| Largest population overall| Vast subtropical
ecosystem
These areas are the best places to observe alligators in their natural habitats in Florida
