Green Iguanas in Florida: Complete Species Guide and Behavior

If you've spotted large lizards lounging in your yard, climbing trees, or sunbathing on your dock, you're likely dealing with green iguanas (Iguana iguana). These impressive reptiles have become one of Florida's most recognizable invasive species, and understanding their biology and behavior is the first step in managing them effectively.

Species Identification: Is It Really an Iguana?

Physical Characteristics

Green iguanas are large, herbivorous lizards that can reach impressive sizes:

Length: 5-7 feet from nose to tail tip (adults)
Weight: 10-20 pounds (some exceed 25 pounds)
Coloring: Despite the name, they range from bright green to brown, gray, or even orange
Distinctive Features:
- Large dewlap (throat fan) used for communication and temperature regulation
- Row of spines running down their back and tail
- Long, whip-like tail (2/3 of total body length)
- Sharp claws designed for climbing
- Muscular limbs with five toes on each foot

How to Tell Them Apart from Native Lizards

Many Floridians confuse green iguanas with native species. Here's how to distinguish them:

Green Iguanas vs. Native Lizards:

Feature	Green Iguana	Anoles/Geckos	Monitor Lizards
Size	5-7 feet	5-8 inches	3-5 feet
Tail	Very long, striped	Proportional	Thick, powerful
Dewlap	Large, pronounced	Small (males only)	Absent
Habitat	Trees, water, ground	Trees, walls	Ground, water
Status	Invasive	Native	Invasive

Visual identification tip: If it's longer than 2 feet, has a prominent dewlap, and spiny crest, it's almost certainly a green iguana.

Age Identification

Hatchlings (0-6 months): 6-12 inches, bright green
Juveniles (6 months - 2 years): 1-3 feet, vibrant colors
Adults (3+ years): 4-7 feet, colors may dull with age

The Florida Invasion: How Did They Get Here?

Origin Story

Green iguanas are not native to Florida. Their natural range spans from Mexico through Central America to South America. They arrived in Florida through:

Pet Trade (1960s-1990s):
- Imported as exotic pets
- Grew too large for owners to handle
- Released or escaped into the wild
Hurricane Andrew (1992):
- Category 5 hurricane destroyed breeding facilities
- Mass release of captive iguanas
- Established breeding populations rapidly
Continued Releases:
- Unwanted pets released by owners
- Escaped from outdoor enclosures
- Smuggled animals released

Population Explosion Timeline

1960s: First documented sightings in South Florida
1990s: Breeding populations established in Miami-Dade and Broward counties
2000s: Rapid expansion along coasts and canals
2010s: Populations explode across South and Central Florida
2020s: Estimated hundreds of thousands statewide

View our Florida Iguana Population Map to see which counties are most affected.

Biology and Behavior

Diet: What Do Iguanas Eat?

Green iguanas are strict herbivores. Their favorite plants include:

Highly Attractive Plants:

Hibiscus flowers and leaves
Orchids
Roses and rose bushes
Mandevilla
Bougainvillea flowers
Garden vegetables (tomatoes, squash, lettuce)
Tropical fruits (mangos, lychees)

Also Consumed:

Grass and turf
Tree leaves (especially young, tender growth)
Flowers of most varieties
Succulent plants

Total: Iguanas can consume 1-2 pounds of vegetation daily. A single iguana can devastate a garden in weeks.

💡 Prevention tip: Learn which plants to avoid and which deter iguanas in our prevention guide.

Arboreal Lifestyle

Green iguanas are excellent climbers:

Spend much of their time in trees
Prefer heights of 20-40 feet
Bask in morning sun on high branches
Drop from trees when startled (can fall 40+ feet without injury)
Strong swimmers (can stay underwater 30+ minutes)

Swimming Ability

Contrary to popular belief, iguanas are powerful swimmers:

Use their tails for propulsion
Can cross canals and waterways easily
Often bask on docks and seawalls near water
Dive underwater to escape predators
Populations spread via waterway systems

This swimming ability is why coastal and canal communities are particularly affected.

Burrowing Behavior

Iguanas dig extensive burrow systems:

Purpose: Shelter, nesting, temperature regulation
Locations: Under seawalls, docks, pool decks, foundations, sidewalks
Depth: 3-10 feet deep, with multiple chambers
Damage risk: Burrows can cause structural collapse costing $15,000-$50,000 in repairs

Territorial Aggression

While generally docile, iguanas become aggressive during breeding season (March-September):

Males defend territories vigorously
Head bobbing and dewlap displays (warning signs)
Tail whipping (can break bones or cause deep cuts)
Biting (sharp teeth can cause serious wounds)
Charging behavior when cornered

Safety note: Never approach iguanas during breeding season, especially large males.

Reproduction: Why Populations Explode

Breeding Season

Timing: March through September (peak May-July)

Mating behavior:

Males become highly territorial
Courtship displays include head bobbing and dewlap extension
Aggressive competition between males
Females become gravid (egg-bearing) by early summer

Nesting Season

When: May through July

Nesting sites:

Sandy areas
Beaches
Berms and slopes
Under structures
Golf course sand traps
Parks and open fields

Nest characteristics:

Females dig burrows 1-3 feet deep
Single chamber at end of tunnel
Covered and camouflaged after egg-laying

Clutch Sizes and Hatching

Eggs per clutch: 20-70 eggs (average 40)

Incubation period: 90-120 days (temperature-dependent)

Hatch rate: 80-90% in favorable conditions

Math: A single breeding female can produce 40 hatchlings per year. If half survive to adulthood and half are female, one iguana becomes a population of hundreds within 3-4 years.

Why Populations Explode in Florida

No natural predators:
- Native predators (hawks, alligators) occasionally eat juveniles
- Adults have virtually no predators
Ideal climate:
- Year-round warm temperatures
- Abundant vegetation
- Coastal habitat perfect for nesting
High reproductive rate:
- Large clutches
- High survival rate
- Early maturity (females breed at 3 years)
Long lifespan:
- 15-20 years in the wild
- Continuous breeding throughout adulthood

Lifespan

In captivity: 20+ years
In Florida wild: 15-20 years (estimated)
Breeding years: 3 years to 15+ years (females)

This long reproductive period means established populations are extremely difficult to eradicate without intervention.

Why Green Iguanas Are Invasive

Ecological Impact

Competition with native species:

Outcompete native herbivores for food
Displace native wildlife from habitat
Alter plant communities through selective feeding

Ecosystem disruption:

Consume endangered plant species
Modify habitat structure through burrowing
Potential disease transmission to native reptiles

Food web imbalance:

No natural population controls
Exponential growth without predation pressure

Agricultural Damage

Destroy commercial crops (vegetables, fruits, ornamentals)
Damage irrigation systems
Contaminate produce with feces
Cost to agriculture: Millions annually

Infrastructure Threats

Seawall and dock erosion from burrowing
Damage to electrical systems (nesting in equipment)
Landscape destruction (expensive ornamental plants)
Pool contamination and equipment damage

Public Health Concerns

Salmonella carriers: All iguanas carry salmonella bacteria
Fecal contamination: Patios, pools, outdoor surfaces
Aggressive behavior: Injuries during breeding season
Fall hazards: "Frozen" iguanas falling from trees during cold snaps

Florida Distribution Map

Counties with Established Populations

High Density (Dark Red):

Miami-Dade County
Broward County
Palm Beach County
Monroe County (Keys)

Medium-High Density (Orange):

Collier County
Lee County
Martin County
St. Lucie County

Medium Density (Yellow):

Charlotte County
Hendry County
Glades County
Indian River County

Low to Spotty (Light Yellow):

Polk County
Orange County
Hillsborough County
Pinellas County

View our detailed Florida Iguana Population Map to find providers in your county.

Expansion Patterns

Historical spread:

Started in Southeast Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward)
Expanded north along coast (Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie)
Spread west along coast (Collier, Lee, Charlotte)
Moving inland along canals and waterways
Northern expansion limited by cold tolerance

Future predictions:

Continued northward spread (climate change factor)
Increased density in established areas
Expansion along major waterways
Potential for isolated northern populations

Climate Suitability

Iguanas thrive in areas with:

Average winter temps above 50°F
Year-round growing season
Coastal or canal access
Abundant vegetation

This makes South and Central Florida ideal habitat.

What to Do If You Have Iguanas

Identification Confirmed - Now What?

If you've confirmed you have green iguanas on your property:

Assess the situation:
- How many iguanas?
- Are there burrows or nests?
- What damage has occurred?
- Is it breeding season (more aggressive)?
Consider professional removal:
- Find licensed providers in your area
- Get quotes from multiple specialists
- Ask about prevention strategies
- Understand removal methods and costs
Don't delay:
- Populations grow exponentially
- Damage compounds over time
- Early intervention is more cost-effective
- 1 iguana today = 40+ next year

DIY vs. Professional Removal

DIY challenges:

Safety risks (bites, falls, disease)
Legal requirements (humane methods required)
Incomplete removal (miss nests, burrows)
Time investment (100+ hours often)

Professional advantages:

Licensed and insured
Proven removal methods
Complete population removal
Prevention strategies included
Guarantees and warranties

Emergency Situations

Call for emergency removal if:

Iguana in AC unit or electrical equipment
Aggressive iguana threatening people/pets
Structural damage in progress
Multiple iguanas in living spaces

Learn when emergency removal is needed and what to expect.

Conclusion

Green iguanas are a fascinating but problematic invasive species in Florida. Understanding their biology, behavior, and reproductive patterns helps explain why populations have exploded and why professional management is often necessary.

Key takeaways:

Green iguanas can reach 5-7 feet and live 15-20 years
They reproduce rapidly (40+ eggs per year)
No natural predators = unchecked population growth
Cause significant property damage and health risks
Early intervention prevents larger problems

Next steps:

Don't wait until you have dozens of iguanas. One breeding pair becomes a major infestation within 2-3 years.

Need help with iguana removal? Connect with licensed professionals in your area →

Have questions? Browse our complete library of iguana control guides for expert answers.