But don’t despair. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities. It’s located about a half hour drive from Orlando heading east. Beyond using common sense, here are some precautions to take when kayak fishing in areas with alligators. At five locations along the coast of west Florida, large ponds of baby gators are a big attraction. South Florida has millions of alligators, but the Panhandle only has thousands. They live in our lakes and reservoirs and swamps, and we set up our businesses and parks around them, as … Oviedo is a Florida city of 36,000 residents. They aren't considered a nuisance animal here like further south, so no worries about an alligator welcome wagon on your back patio. It offers a high quality of life compared to most places in Florida and also offers prospective new Florida residents a crime rate far lower than the national average. Crocodiles favor saltwater areas while alligators prefer freshwater and brackish water habitats. ... return to the beauty and comfort of a home from Naples Florida Vacation Homes. While alligators primarily live in the southeastern U.S., crocodiles are found in North, South, and Central America as well as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The animals live and walk among us, close to us. Are you headed to Florida? Lots of golfers start or end their round of miniature golf by feeding the alligators. … Wekiwa Florida Video (sorry, no video available) #6 Oviedo Florida. Go to any fresh water source in Florida, whether it’s a lake or a river, and chances are there will be at least one alligator lurking around. I've seen huge, sunning Florida alligators on the banks of darkwater creeks hit the water to avoid an encounter with me in my canoe. The natives always know: Alligators are everywhere in Florida. Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. No, the gators don’t play putt-putt, but for humans who do at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, there’s a reptile experience. But let alligators get too used to people, and they can become downright bold around humans. Lots of golfers start or end their round of miniature golf by feeding the alligators. So, if you are in an area with a lot of new growth – particularly Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area, you are likely to find yourself in one the of the most likely sinkhole areas in Florida. By . No South Florida city south of West Palm Beach made the list. → Kayaking With Alligators: What Every Kayaker Should Know; 7 . No swimming. Remember that in Florida, it is illegal to kill or harass alligators; alligators may only be harvested under special licenses and permits issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida has a gator problem. Florida has more than 1 million alligators and several laws to protect the beasts. 11 Places in Southern Florida to See Alligators. ... There’s also two visitors’ areas that you can stop by on each of the preserve’s sides so that you can get some general wildlife information. A lot of north west Florida is alligator free, as are most coastal cities. Things to know about Florida's alligators. Florida Fish and Wildlife officers are investigating, but so far, there have been no arrests. 17. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. If you have a nuisance alligator in your area, contact the FWC office or call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). ... Look at the soil densities and the population density at the areas you are looking to move to. Hope for the Most Likely Sinkhole Areas in Florida. But in recent years, these areas have experienced tremendous population growth and a surging tourism industry, particularly in Florida, resulting in increased interaction between humans and alligators. Alligators: Alligators and humans have shared the marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes of the southeastern United States for many centuries. ... there's no evidence of alligators running after people or other animals on land. Which Florida lakes had the most alligators in 2015 .