Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana)

Short answers

Florida kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 180×90×90 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes).

Florida kingsnake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–31 °C, basking spot 31–33 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

Florida kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential; weak UVB optional.

Florida kingsnake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 12–20+ years.

Florida kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–31 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

31–33 °C

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

UVB not essential; weak UVB optional

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 180×90×90 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes)

Substrate

Aspen shavings or cypress mulch (it holds moisture), hides

Feeding

Food

Rodents (mice); in the wild also snakes, lizards and eggs

Feeding interval

adults every 7–10 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size

105–150 cm (rarely up to ~180 cm)

Life expectancy

12–20+ years

Origin

Florida (USA), more humid subtropical habitats

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special EU requirements

Brumation

No strict winter rest (subtropical); a slight drop to stimulate breeding is optional

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (snake-eating and ophiophagous – a risk of cannibalism). Only for supervised, controlled breeding

Notes

Slightly higher humidity than other kingsnakes (a Florida climate). A strong, robust subspecies. Do not keep the substrate permanently wet (skin problems).

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Andean milk snake (Lampropeltis micropholis) – Intermediate
• Sonoran mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) – Intermediate
• Isla Todos Santos kingsnake (Lampropeltis herrerae) – Expert
• California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) – Intermediate
• Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi) – Intermediate
• Desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) – Beginner
• Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula) – Beginner
• Grey-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 180×90×90 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes)), substrate (Aspen shavings or cypress mulch (it holds moisture), hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.