Black rat Black rats were widely distributed in Florida by the 1800s. This species is not dependent on man and can live in more natural environments than the Norway rat. That being said they are the most common rat infesting structures in Florida. Common name are roof rat, fruit rat, swamp rat     Norway rat This species of rat is less common in areas away from man. They are less common in our suburban areas and more common in downtown urban areas. These rats are diggers. Common name is sewer rat.