The juvenile Florida red-bellied tortoise is omnivorous, eating fish, shrimp, shellfish and various insects in addition to aquatic plants. It will gradually convert to vegetarianism as adults.

Florida red-bellied turtles are one of the best swamp turtles in the water and are good at swimming . They have a lively personality and can adapt to the environment in a short time. They spend a lot of time on the shore during the day and enjoy sunbathing (artificial sun). They like to drag their food into the water when they eat, and they also run into the water when they are frightened.