Like other water snakes of the southeastern U.S., N. floridana hibernates during the winter in the northern, coldest parts of its range.

Most reports suggest that its diet consists primarily of fish, including sunfish, crappies, and small bass.

[4][6] N. floridana bears live young by ovoviviparity similar to other North American water snakes.

Common predators in its wetland habitat include river otters, hawks, herons, egrets, ospreys, turtles, kingsnakes, alligators, and several species of predatory fish.

When threatened, the Florida green watersnake's first impulse is to escape, and if captured, it will then resort to biting or releasing a strong musk from its scent glands.

Thousands of N. floridana die annually on Florida roads and highways near wetland habitats.