Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

n North America north of Florida, this species is mainly a migrant or irregular visitor. In Florida, manatees may migrate southward for winter; seasonal migrations of at least 530 miles (850 kilometers) to wintering areas have been documented, and migrations of 125-190 miles (200-300 kilometers) are usual along the Atlantic coast (O'Shea and Ludlow 1992).

Home range varies widely throughout the year. In summer, males may move over areas extending up to a couple hundred kilometers and tend to travel more widely than do females.