A surrendered Ornate Box Turtle. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

True Floridian kids once lassoed lizards and even dared to wear them as nibbling earrings—a quirky Southern tradition that has mostly slithered out of style. Yet reptiles and amphibians remain an undeniable part of life here, and Floridians have learned to live alongside these scaly locals.

From sun-basking iguanas to pond-dwelling turtles, these reptile residents are as integral to Florida’s landscape as swaying palms and sandy beaches.

Still, the thought of cuddling a spider or letting a snake curl up on the couch sends most people’s skin crawling. But for the fearless few who see thrills where others see chills, these creatures aren’t just uninvited patio visitors—they are beloved household companions to close to six million Americans in 2025.

While backyard wrangling might tempt the adventurous, it’s risky and far from recommended—and nowhere near as stylish as Britney Spears’ iconic yellow-python moment.

Ditch the danger and slither safely into a world where reptiles rule and surprises lurk around every corner.

Crawling back to Southwest Florida, Repticon returns with two exciting events where fans can get up close and personal with some of the planet’s most epic crawlers.

This traveling reptile roadshow welcomes both longtime enthusiasts and curious newcomers to a true Florida-style adventure. Repticon has captivated fans with hands-on encounters with all things creepy and crawling, offering a wildly exciting opportunity to experience the fang appeal of these incredible creatures.

“I grew up as a ‘Florida boy.’ I was always chasing and playing with lizards and scooping up frogs,” laughs Mike Dean, Operations Manager for Repticon. “I was a commercial fisherman for a long time before crossing paths with Repticon. They were only about five shows in when I started helping with setups and breakdowns. From there, I joined the team and eventually launched my own company, Exotic Kingdom.”

Dean is the spider expert—a title he often drops casually in conversation, only to leave folks stunned when they realize he is not kidding. He shares that Repticon unleashes more than just the scaly and slimy.

“Spiders have far more personality than most people give them credit for,” he says. “One of my tarantulas even had a cameo in the movie ‘We’re the Millers,’ and some of my other spiders have appeared in haunted houses. I just set them up, and everyone freaks out when they realize they are real—and very much alive.”

Unique reptiles, such as this dalmation crested gecko, will be at Repticon. -COURTESY PHOTO

With over 20 years of experience with Repticon, Dean has devoted himself to spreading appreciation for all things crawly—especially the eight-legged creatures.

“They are incredible animals,” he says. “I bring the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula and other spiders into classrooms all the time. I’ve held different species for groups of 100 kids, letting them take pictures and use the opportunity to teach them about these fascinating creatures.”

At Repticon, the reptile experts turn education into an up-close and interactive experience. Founded by Billy Healy, the Florida-rooted event puts everything from slithering snakes to colorful amphibians directly into the hands of guest.

“His very first pet was a newt, a type of salamander,” Dean recalls. “We’ve been friends for years, and what began as a personal hobby here in Florida eventually turned into the idea for Repticon—and it really took off. Today, we have partners all over the state and even travel to events in other states.”

From a simple allure with reptiles and amphibians, Repticon has evolved into a multi-show sensation. With three events held each weekend across several states, Repticon is sinking its teeth back into Southwest Florida.

Repticon will pop-up on Nov. 29 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Fort Myers before making its way to Port Charlotte on Dec. 20 at the Fairgrounds.

“Vendors bring all kinds of animals, and many really focus on their own niche,” Dean explains. “We partner with groups that work with everything from bearded dragons to leopard geckos and even ball pythons and corn snakes. Sometimes we get other animals, like sugar gliders, chameleons, and hedgehogs.”

Guardians of the Geckos LLC adds to the excitement by bringing Crested and Gargoyle Geckos for up-close encounters. With over 15 years of experience in reptile care and breeding, Brian and Priscila Schmitt share expert care tips and offer exclusive gecko gear, alongside custom-themed exhibits and unique merchandise for reptile enthusiasts.

“We’ll have boas, snake hooks, small cages, and Java wood for sale. Or just stop by to chat about snakes for a bit,” Foundation Boas Inc. shares.

“All our vendors share one thing: a love for reptiles and unconventional pets. They are a lot of fun,” says Dean.

With more than 100 booths and an expected crowd of several thousand, the event features educational seminars that explore the sly world of reptiles and other critters—from snakes and lizards to scorpions, frogs, and turtles—offering insights designed to educate and inspire guests of all ages.

Giant Ameiva at Fountain Park in Naples. -KELLY J FARRELL / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Repticon conventions can last a single day or run for full weekend event, offering everything from expert advice and supplies to opportunities for adopting animals.

“We get a wide mix of people, from longtime members of the reptile community to families discovering these animals for the first time,” Dean says. “We all share a passion for this, and we love passing it on. If someone’s curious about a particular animal, we know exactly who to connect them with. They can get everything they need here, along with the right guidance.”

With humor and expertise, Dean spins a web of fun while demonstrating just how approachable—and even charming—these often-misunderstood creatures can be.

“Reptiles and spiders are easier pets than people think,” he says for those considering cuddling with cold-blooded companion. “Some reptiles and animals are easier to handle and acknowledge you, while others prefer to be left alone.”

While a complete setup typically starts at around $250, Dean shares that success stems from understanding each animal’s specific requirements, from its habitat to its diet.

“Bearded dragons need a spacious enclosure and plenty of artificial light, and their diet changes from crickets to leafy greens as they grow,” he explains. “Leopard geckos just eat insects and don’t need special lighting, while snakes like ball pythons mainly eat rodents and need proper heat to support digestion. Ball pythons stay fairly small, making them a manageable and fascinating pet for beginners.”

At Repticon, reptiles shed their reputation as scary or strange. While some may worry about the impact of non-native species, the event’s focus remains firmly on education, responsible care, and conservation.

“Florida sometimes gets a bad reputation when it comes to reptiles, even though they are all around us,” Dean explains. “The problem has been amplified by invasive species like the Burmese python, which is causing major issues in the ecosystem. A significant part of what we do is advocating for reptile laws and safety, particularly regarding pet ownership. We help with permitting and regulations, and everyone at Repticon shares a devoted passion for education and protecting animals.”

Earnie the yellow-bellied slider. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

He explains that Repticon prioritizes responsible animal care and strictly adheres to legal regulations, noting that recent changes in the Florida law now prevent pet Green Iguanas and Tegus from being displayed in public—even with a permit.

Dean adds, “Vendors and specialists follow these guidelines closely and for each state, ensuring that native snakes and other protected species are never sold.”

With an emphasis on education, the event provides attendees with the opportunity to engage with these fascinating creatures responsibly and with genuine respect.

“We care for the animals, lead seminars, and teach people how to keep them responsibly,” Dean adds. “We also partner with groups that take in surrendered pets, so these animals never end up released into the wild.”

Whether you are a lifelong herpetology fan or just hunting for a slithery good time, Repticon is ready to take a big bite out of your weekend.

For those brave enough to face a few spine-tingling shivers, Dean tempts visitors with a grin: “Stop by to Repticon. Our animals, and even the spiders, are friendly. Come meet them up close, and maybe even cuddle one.”