There are eight Seminole clans: Panther, Bear, Deer, Wind, Bigtown, Bird, Snake, and Otter.

Each Seminole Indian born of a Seminole mother is a member of her "Clan" - a traditional extended family unit. Husbands traditionally went to live in the wife's clan camp. Each clan is characterized by a non-human entity with which is shares many traits, such as strength, courage, or endurance.

Clan members are not supposed to marry within their clan. Children inherit the clan of the mother. One must be at least 1/4 Seminole in order to qualify as a tribal member. When the last female in a clan passes on, the clan is considered extinct. Several historical clans, including Alligator, are now extinct. The Panther clan is the largest clan in today's Seminole Tribe of Florida.