Our privately owned attraction is a real working alligator farm. Started in 1979 by Mr. John Hudson and his family, the farm originally began as an airboat ride attraction. In the 1980's the State of Florida began permitting the commercial farming of alligators and Mr. Hudson and his family added the first such farm in Dade County.

In 1985 the State of Florida permitted commercial farming of alligators and Mr. Hudson opened the first such farm in Dade County. In the 60's, the American alligator had almost become extinct and was placed on the endangered species list by the Federal Government. Commercial farming was correctly seen as a way to insure the preservation of this reptile, which traces its existence back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Our farm is located at the edge of the Everglades, however, it is not a part of the Everglades National Park. We have endeavored to keep a rustic atmosphere that is representative of the first settlers to the area, and at the same time live in harmony with the Everglades' pristine environment.

Everglades Alligator Farm, one of Homestead's busiest attractions draws tourist and camera crews from all over the world. This privately owned attraction is a real working alligator farm, according to owners, Charles and Deborah Thibos.

The Everglades Alligator Farm is currently home to about 2,000 alligators of all sizes. The smaller alligators are kept in growout pens and the larger alligators are in natural settings called breeding ponds. It takes about 6 years for an alligator to start breeding. The female alligator will have only one clutch of eggs a year, depending on the mother's age and fertility the clutch will contain up to 45 eggs. A trip to the alligator farm includes an exciting airboat tour into the surrounding Everglades and a walk around the farm to see the alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and wildlife.

There is also a great display of local snakes along with some of the more exotic species of snakes from around the world. Informative wildlife shows are presented hourly: 10:00am /1:00pm/4:00pm Snake Show; 11:00am/2:00pm/5:00pm Alligator Show: 12:00pm/3:00pm Alligator Feeding.