American crocodiles are most prevalent throughout Central and South America; however, small populations reside in the very southernmost area of Florida. The crocodiles you will find in the Florida Keys play a role in the delicate Everglades ecosystem, preying on reptiles, fish, birds and small mammals.

Yes, there are American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) throughout the Florida Keys. Unlike the more common American alligator, which prefers freshwater, the American crocodile thrives in the brackish and saltwater environments of the mangroves and coastal lagoons found in the Keys. By 2026, the population has seen a significant recovery due to conservation efforts, with an estimated 2,000 adults living in South Florida. They are most frequently spotted in areas like the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary and the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. While they are massive reptiles—males can reach up to 15 feet—they are famously reclusive and far less aggressive than their Nile or Australian counterparts. They tend to avoid human interaction and are usually seen basking on canal banks or floating quietly in remote mangroves. However, residents and visitors in 2026 are still advised to be "Crocwise," especially at night, and to avoid swimming in areas with known crocodile activity or near fish-cleaning stations.