In Florida, the likelihood of seeing an alligator is extremely high, especially if you are near any body of fresh or brackish water. With an estimated population of 1.3 million alligators spread across all 67 counties, they are a fundamental part of the state's ecosystem. You are almost guaranteed to see them in "wild" settings like the Everglades or Myakka River State Park, where hundreds often bask on the banks simultaneously. However, they are also frequently spotted in suburban retention ponds, on golf courses, and even in drainage ditches. During the spring mating season (April–June), they are even more visible as they move overland between lakes. In 2026, wildlife officials still advise a "treat every body of water as if it has a gator" policy. While they are a common sight, they are generally wary of humans; as long as you maintain a safe distance of at least 60 feet and never feed them, they remain a fascinating but predictable part of the Florida landscape.