I live in Jacksonville and do nearly all my kayaking in serious gator country like the Okefenokee Swamp and Ocala National Forest/St Johns River watershed. Gators are really not a threat to a kayaker unless you do something stupid. They are a lazy predator that are only interested in an easy meal, meaning something small that they can take with little effort. Even a small kayak is pretty big compared to a gator so they will leave you alone. In fact, unless you are in a state park where they are not hunted, you may find it hard to get a good picture because most times they will go under. That being said, don't be stupid and tempt fate. Keep your hands and feet in the boat. Don't swim or go ashore with a large gator nearby. Don't put yourself in a position where you trap a big gator ashore. He probably won't attack but may knock you over as he escapes into the water. If he hisses at you, back away. In the spring they may be a bit more territorial, but a couple good loud slaps of your hand on the kayak make a loud noise underwater and will scare them away.

My only real concern with gators is for smaller people like children, and for pets. Every year, several kids will be killed by gators in Florida. Our gators also enjoy a special diet of dogs and cats. A few years ago, a gator actually took a dog that was on a leash attached to a stroller. The mom literally was playing tug of war to keep the stroller from going in.

No crocs in my area. I think they in the Everglades and are more aggressive.

I don't get over to that side of the state often, but have paddled Weeki Wachee which was good. For sure you need to hit Silver Springs near Ocala. Two other special places are the Santa Fe below High Springs and Juniper Springs Run in the Ocala National Forest.