What should Space Coast homeowners know about living near alligators?
Alligators live in all 67 Florida counties, including Brevard County. Never feed them, keep pets leashed away from water, and call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) about a nuisance alligator.
If you are relocating to the Space Coast from out of state, alligators may be the one piece of Florida wildlife that feels the most unfamiliar. Good news: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) publishes clear guidance for residents, and a few simple habits cover most of what you need.
This guide pulls together what the state says about alligators so you know what to expect in Brevard County, who to call, and what questions to ask when you tour a property near water.
Are there alligators in Brevard County, Florida?
According to the FWC, alligators inhabit all 67 Florida counties, and the state's alligator population is stable at roughly 1.3 million animals. That means Brevard County, like every other county, is alligator country. You can read the agency's overview on its Living with Alligators page.
The FWC notes that serious injuries remain rare, though more waterfront development has led to more interactions between people and alligators. If you are buying in Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Merritt Island, or Titusville, it is reasonable to assume alligators could be present in nearby fresh water.
What are the basic safety habits?
The FWC guidance for living alongside alligators is short and practical:
- Never feed an alligator, and keep your distance if you see one.
- Swim in designated areas and only during daylight.
- Keep pets leashed and away from the water's edge.
The no-feeding rule matters most. The FWC program emphasizes warning signage against feeding.
When is an alligator considered a nuisance?
The FWC says an alligator may generally be considered a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet long and believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property. Smaller alligators can also need removal if they turn up somewhere inappropriate, such as a pool or garage.
| Situation | What the FWC says |
|---|---|
| Alligator at least 4 feet and a threat | Generally can be considered a nuisance |
| Smaller alligator in a pool or garage | May also require removal |
| Reporting number | 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), toll-free |
Who do you call, and who removes the alligator?
Call 866-FWC-GATOR. The FWC dispatches one of its contracted nuisance alligator trappers when a complaint meets the program's criteria, under what it calls the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. The caller should be the property owner or someone with legal access, because the FWC requires permission from the property owner or management authority before removal.
Residents cannot remove alligators themselves. The program says handling alligators is illegal and that bites can cause serious infection. The program also does not relocate alligators, because suitable habitat across the state is already occupied.
What should buyers ask when touring a home near water?
Alligator guidance does not change how a house inspects, but it can change how you use the yard. When you tour a property on the Space Coast with a pond, canal, or lake nearby, a few questions are worth asking.
- Does the community post signage about wildlife or feeding?
- Is there a fence or landscaping buffer between the yard and the water?
- Do the HOA rules say anything about walking pets near the shoreline?
- Where are the designated swimming areas in the community, if any?
Sellers in Brevard County can also help buyers by being upfront about what they have seen over the years. Honest answers build trust and keep surprises out of the closing.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for a nuisance alligator in Florida?
Call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The FWC dispatches a contracted trapper if the complaint qualifies.
Can I remove an alligator from my Brevard County yard myself?
No. The FWC says residents cannot remove alligators themselves and that handling them is illegal. Report it to the hotline instead.
Does the FWC relocate nuisance alligators?
No. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program does not relocate them, since the state's habitat is already occupied by its stable alligator population.
Curious how a home near the water fits your plans in Melbourne, Viera, or elsewhere in Brevard County? I can walk you through the neighborhoods and what to ask on a tour.
My partner Nichole and I got your back. Reach out anytime at (321) 212-7676 or www.livingspacecoast.com.
Considering Brevard?
We help buyers and sellers across Brevard County every month.
Rachel and Nichole are REALTORS at Blue Marlin Real Estate working the Space Coast seven days a week. Rachel relocated to Brevard in 2022. Nichole has been showing homes here for years. We know this county block by block.
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