Brown recluse spiders are not native to most of Florida and are rarely confirmed sightings and bites, which are misidentifications of harmless species or due to other conditions. Despite this, the overall risk of encounters and serious bites in Florida remains very low. In Florida, people report brown recluse spider far more often than experts find them. The name “recluse” is accurate, as these spiders prefer dry, sheltered places like woodpiles, sheds, cardboard boxes, and quiet closets. They usually avoid people and bite only when pressed against skin or when they feel trapped. However, even in heavily infested homes, bites are infrequently reported. Recent research at a Florida university revealed that widespread recluse populations are in the state.