[2] The Florida box turtle can be found in damp environments such as wetlands, marshlands, and near swamps but usually does not enter water deep enough to swim.

[4] It is often found in the flatwoods, upland, and mesophytic hammock but is generally absent in the high pine.

[5] Within these habitats, juveniles prefer areas that contain dense cover, high amounts of leaf litter, and moist soil.

During the dry, cool parts of the year (November - February) they enter a dormant stage and are inactive and difficult to find.

They exhibit higher levels of activity during the warm, wet months (April - October).

The vast majority of these plants contain fruit (Annona glabra, Brysonima lucida, Coccoloba uvifera, Cocothrinax argentata, Ficus sp., Morinda royoc, Manilkara zapoda, Psidium longipes, Serenoa repens, Smilax havenensis, Thrinax morrissii) while others might not (Paspalum spp., Fabaceae).

The egg laying season occurs in the Spring and generally lasts from April to early June.

Juvenile turtles have shorter and wider scutes and carapaces when compared to adults, but these lengthen as the individual grows.

Wild populations are at risk due to predation of eggs and juveniles (raccoons, possums, foxes, birds), habitat loss and modification, car strikes, pesticides, pollution, and collection for the pet trade and turtle racing.

[16] Seasonal fire regimes in Florida represent a significant source of mortality for box turtles, with burns having the potential to kill off nearly half of a population.

In captivity, they are especially fond of live food such as earthworms, crickets, locusts, snails, wax worms (as a treat because of their high fat content), superworms (Zophobas morio), and baby mice.

Finely grated dark green veggies such as lettuces and kale, and fruits such as melons, berries and cantaloupe are also accepted (though not eagerly) once or twice a week.