Sea turtles in Florida
Sea turtles in Florida are some of the most magical and beloved creatures in our state!
Florida is home to a number of sea turtle species, who can be found throughout Florida’s endless coastlines.
Sea turtles are extremely vulnerable creatures, they need our care and protection!
Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Loggerhead sea turtles are Florida’s most common sea turtle species.
These turtles are named after their unique head, which are very large and resemble a log.
Loggerhead sea turtles are very large and can weight between 250-300 pounds when fully grown.
The shell on a loggerhead sea turtle can measure more than three feet long.
Loggerhead sea turtles have flippers with claws, which are used for digging in the sand and nesting.
Loggerhead sea turtles typically eat crustaceans, including crabs, clams and other shelled organisms. Accordingly, loggerheads have extremely strong jaws which allow the turtles to crush their prey.
Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Green turtles are named after their characteristics all green bodies.
Green turtles have narrower bodies than loggerheads and have a relatively small head.
Green turtles graze on seagrass meadows and are vegetarians. Green turtles lay eggs on Florida’s beaches in the mid to late summer (June) through September.
Other Sea Turtle Species
Other species of sea turtles in Florida include:
- Leatherack (Dermochelys coriacea)
- KEMP’S RIDLEY (Lepidochelys kempi)
- Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)
