The Florida panther is a "big cat", a subspecies of panther, this is on the state's endangered list of animals. It is considered a large predator and is important for the balance of nature and the protection and management of other Florida plants and animals. The panther is a light brown color and its primary habitat is more so Southwestern Florida.

There are no reports of attacks against humans so far in Florida, but occasionally there may be an attack against small animals, such as pets like small dogs. Nonetheless, it is recommended to keep children and pets protected or indoors when in natural enviroments near panther habitats. Also, if you encounter a panther, it is recommended you make yourself look as large as possible, maintain eye contact and do not crouch or run. In other states where attacks have been reported, they cite many successes with people fighting off the panthers with noise, putting arms up high, yelling, and throwing sticks or rocks to get it away. The top two causes of deaths for panthers are collisions with cars and territorial fighting between panthers.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is charged with the protection and management of the Florida panther. The Florida panther is seen as a symbol of beauty, wildness and survival. It is seen as an important natural resource that should be preserved for future generations of Floridians. Florida statute 683.18 designates the third Saturday of March each year as "Save the Florida Panther Day."