Long argued as to whether or not it is a subspecies, the Apalachicola kingsnake was formerly named Lampropeltis getula goini.

After years of research and many more specimens examined, in 2006, it was renamed to L. g. meansi after D. Bruce Means, in recognition of his work on this subspecies.

The ventral pattern is also variable; some with bicolored, loose checkerboard, or predominantly dark scales.

Their habitat includes pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, and estuaries.

Breeding takes place in March, April, and May, and after a month, three to 30 eggs are laid.