From October to November every year, when the temperature drops below 13°C, the Florida red-bellied tortoise begins to hibernate until the temperature rises to 18°C in February to March.

The hibernating Florida red-bellied tortoises do not eat or move, but sleep. The easiest way to hibernate is to move the Florida red-bellied tortoise into a dark, quiet place indoors, hibernate in shallow water (water just past the carapace), and change the water once a month. Aside from changing the water, try not to disturb the Florida red-bellied turtle. Be careful not to lower the temperature below 6°C, otherwise it will endanger the life of the Florida red-bellied tortoise.