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.
The 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.

Just outside the Everglades National Park is one of South Florida's best kept local secrets, Everglades Alligator Farm. One of Homestead's busiest attractions, Everglades Alligator Farm 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, it was started in 1982 by Mr. John Hudson, who began the farm as an airboat ride attraction. In 1985 the State of Florida permitted commercial farming of alligators and Mr. Hudson opened the first such farm in Dade County.

The Everglades Alligator Farm is currently home to about 3,000 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 Alligator Feeding; and at 3:00pm a Weird Animal Show.

During the shows visitors get a chance to hold baby alligators and have their picture taken with snakes. The airboat tours allow visitors to experience the river of grass up close. It is not uncommon on the tours to see alligators, several species of birds, lots of fish and huge soft shell turtles. Each trip into the Everglades is different, of course, because it 's all natural. The farm owners have tried to keep a rustic natural atmosphere, one that is not the "stereotypical tourist stop"