Florida has a surprising variety of squirrels—some leap from tree to tree, while others scurry along the ground. The ones you’ll run into most often are the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel (with local types like the Big Cypress and Sherman’s), and the southern flying squirrel.
Curious about where to find each kind, what they do, and what’s on their menu? This post points out the main species, their habits, and some easy ways to tell them apart.
Keep an eye on the tree branches, trunks, and even the ground—each spot might reveal a different squirrel and some quirky behaviors that make Florida wildlife so much fun to watch.
Main Species of Squirrels in Florida
You’ll run into both tree-loving and ground-foraging squirrels all over the state. They come in all sizes—from tiny flying squirrels to the hefty fox squirrels. Some subspecies only live in certain Florida spots.
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
People see this squirrel everywhere in Florida neighborhoods and woods. It grows to about 17–20 inches from nose to tail, with gray-brown fur and a pale belly.
Eastern gray squirrels build nests high up in oaks and pines, either in tree holes or big leafy bundles. They love acorns, hickory nuts, seeds, fruit, and sometimes insects.
Their big, bushy tails help them balance and stay warm. If you put out birdseed, expect these guys to show up—they’re bold and pretty fearless around people.
To identify them, watch for the gray fur, white belly, and that silvery, fluffy tail. The Florida Fish and Wildlife profile has more tips if you want details.
Fox Squirrel & Subspecies (Sciurus niger, Sherman’s, Big Cypress)
Fox squirrels in Florida look much bigger than gray squirrels—often 20–27 inches long—and their color can be anywhere from tan to nearly black. You’ll find general fox squirrels in lots of places, but Sherman’s and Big Cypress fox squirrels are more specific.
Sherman’s fox squirrel lives between Tampa and Lake Okeechobee. It can get up to 28 inches and usually has dark fur with white on the nose and ears.
The Big Cypress fox squirrel sticks to cypress and pine forests in southwest Florida. It’s almost black and loves cypress seeds, cabbage palm fruit, and figs.
These big squirrels spend time on the ground, searching for acorns, pine seeds, and mushrooms. They make nests in tree hollows or with sticks.
If you want more info on where they hang out, check regional guides that focus on these Florida subspecies.
Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
The southern flying squirrel is tiny and almost invisible unless you’re out at night. It’s under 10 inches long and lives throughout most of Florida, except for some of the Keys.
They nest in tree holes or nest boxes. Flying squirrels glide on a stretch of skin between their legs—it’s wild to watch if you ever catch it.
They eat nuts, seeds, fruit, insects, and sometimes bird eggs. You might hear their faint calls at night or spot a nest box full of them in a wooded yard.
Since they’re nocturnal and stay up in the trees, most folks only glimpse them gliding under porch lights or near fruiting trees.
Mexican Red-bellied Squirrel (Sciurus aureogaster)
This non-native species mostly sticks to Elliot Key in Miami-Dade County. You’ll notice its reddish belly and sides, with a gray or black back.
People brought them from Mexico in the 1930s. They go for fruit like sea grapes, papaya, and coconuts, and nest in wooded spots. Including the tail, they reach about 22 inches.
If you’re in the Keys and see a squirrel with a red belly near fruit trees, it’s probably this one.
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
You’ll only find the eastern chipmunk in northwest Florida, usually in woods and along forest edges. It grows to about 7–10 inches and has reddish-brown fur with obvious dark and light stripes.
Chipmunks stick close to the ground, digging burrows under rocks or roots. They fill their cheek pouches with nuts and seeds, and sometimes eat insects or small fruit.
To spot one, look for quick ground movement, striped backs, and a shorter tail than tree squirrels. They don’t mind being near people and sometimes forage at the edge of yards by the woods.
Habitats, Traits, and Behaviors of Florida Squirrels
Florida squirrels show up in forests, city yards, and even on powerlines. They’ve adapted in all sorts of ways to climb, nest, and find seeds or fruit wherever they end up.
Typical Habitats and Range
Most Florida squirrels live where there are plenty of trees. Eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels use hardwood forests, neighborhoods, and parks.
The Big Cypress fox squirrel prefers cypress and pine swamps in the southwest, while the southern fox squirrel likes longleaf pine and turkey oak areas—think pine flatwoods.
Flying squirrels stick to mature forests with lots of tree holes for nesting. Sometimes you’ll see squirrels foraging on the ground in sandhills or way up in the treetops.
Urban squirrels use yards and rooftops, while country squirrels go for fire-maintained woods. Their range shifts as development changes the landscape and native habitat shrinks.
Physical Features and Adaptations
Squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family and share some classic features. Their bushy tails help them balance and stay warm.
Gray and fox squirrels are bigger and show color changes from gray to reddish-brown. Flying squirrels have a stretchy skin flap—called a patagium—between their legs, letting them glide between trees.
Strong hind legs and sharp claws let them leap and grip bark. Their teeth never stop growing, so they chew a lot to wear them down.
Fur color and tail size depend on the species and where they live, which helps with hiding and surviving cold nights.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Squirrels in Florida eat all sorts of plant foods, and sometimes a little animal matter. They like acorns, pine seeds, figs, and palm fruit, depending on what’s around.
Fox squirrels in pine flatwoods eat lots of longleaf pine seeds and turkey oak acorns. Eastern gray squirrels go for nuts, buds, and fallen fruit in parks and yards.
Flying squirrels feed mostly at night on seeds, fungi, and insects. Squirrels scatter-hoard food by burying nuts in lots of places to snack on later. This habit actually spreads seeds, too.
Their foraging changes with the seasons and what food is available.
Nesting and Reproduction
Squirrels usually build two types of nests: leaf nests (dreys) and cavity nests.
You’ll spot leaf nests tucked high in tree forks, made from twigs and leaves, and often padded with whatever soft stuff they can find.
Some squirrels prefer tree cavities or even old woodpecker holes—they probably feel safer there, especially when it’s time to raise their young.
Breeding seasons? Well, those can change depending on the species.
A lot of Florida squirrels actually have two breeding periods each year.
They might produce one or two litters, with each litter having about 2–4 young.
After about 2–3 months, the young squirrels are weaned and ready to leave the nest.
Once they can climb and forage, they’re out exploring on their own.
Where squirrels build their nests and when they breed really affects their chances, especially when people change the habitat or when fire suppression comes into play.
