Consider the habitats of green iguanas: Central America, South America, Caribbean islands, and now South Florida. What are the similarities between these locations? They are extremely warm and enjoy sunny days all year. To survive, iguanas require high temperatures. As a result, iguana populations in central and northern Florida are small. It simply does not get hot enough. The weather in the Miami area, as well as the Keys, is ideal for iguanas. They also require direct sunlight to survive. That's why you'll often see them out in the sun.