[8] Of the three species in the genus Apalone, the Florida softshell turtle occupies the smallest geographic range.

These different habitats include swamps, lakes, marshes, wet prairies, small rivers, creeks, and even ponds formed in man-made ditches or sinkholes.

It is the largest species of softshell turtle found in Florida and all of North America, ranging from 15 to 76 cm (5.9 to 29.9 in) in straight-line carapace length.

[13][8]The Florida softshell turtle is almost entirely aquatic, emerging from the water only to bask or to lay eggs.

[13] While this species is omnivorous, its diet consists largely of meat, consuming mainly fish, insects, crustaceans, frogs and mollusks.

Males of this species reach sexual maturity at small sizes (below 0.7 kg), allowing them to begin reproducing quickly following birth.

Florida softshell turtles have one of the highest annual egg production rates of any reptile.

With a primarily carnivorous diet, adult Florida softshell turtles function as major predators in their aquatic ecosystems.

Nest predators include the fish crow, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and river otters.

[1][17] At various lakes across the state of Florida (Okeechobee, Apopka, Griffin, and Jesup) scientists have observed Florida softshell females, as well as other turtle species (Pseudemys nelsoni, Kinosternon sp., and Sternotherus odoratus) laying their eggs in American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests during the summer months.

[20][21] The Florida softshell turtle is carnivorous with its main diet consisting of small snails and fish.