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where are iguanas in florida

Iguanas thrive mainly in South Florida's warm, subtropical spots. They're invasive green iguanas, originally from Central and South America, that escaped or were released as pets starting in the 1960s. Today, they overrun urban and natural areas year-round, especially since cold snaps like those in past winters no longer wipe them out as effectively.

Prime Hotspots

These reptiles love canals, trees, shrubs, and disturbed spots like vacant lots. Here's where they're most common:

Area| Key Details
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Miami-Dade County (incl. Hialeah, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne)| Epicenter since the '60s; suburban yards, canals, lakes. Dense populations in Pinecrest too. 13
Broward County (e.g., Fort Lauderdale)| Canal banks, parks, neighborhoods—perfect for basking and burrowing. 13
Palm Beach & Martin Counties| Waterfronts, golf courses, Lake Trail, Dreher Park. Spreading north but not thriving. 13
Monroe County (Florida Keys, Key West)| Parks, gardens, urban edges; historical pet releases fuel invasions. 1
Gulf Coast (Collier/Lee Counties: Everglades, Marco Island, Sanibel Island)| Hammocks, preserves, coastal canals—ideal wild habitats (permits needed in parks). 13

Sporadic sightings hit Hillsborough or Alachua, but northern spots stay too chilly for breeding colonies.

Why They're Everywhere

  • Adaptable invaders : No predators, endless food (plants, flowers), and Florida's canals act as highways for spread.
  • Booming numbers : Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) says hunt 'em humanely year-round to curb ecosystem damage.
  • Forum buzz : Miami Redditors gripe they're "everywhere" in parking lots and yards, recovered fast post-2010 freeze.

Picture this: You're strolling a Miami canal at dawn, and dozens bask on branches like scaly sunbathers—classic South Florida scene.

Trends & Tips

As of early 2026, no major shifts; they're still a headache in backyards. Latest repellents focus humane deterrence (no feeding!), while hunters target South spots. FWC notes they're not cold-hardy north of Palm Beach/Collier, so expect clusters below that line.

TL;DR : South Florida from Keys to Palm Beach/Gulf Coast—canals, suburbs, Everglades. Avoid feeding; report big groups to FWC. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.