Police in Florida have arrested a woman who they say appeared to be riding a sea turtle in pictures she posted to social media.

Reports say 20-year-old Stephanie Marie Moore was arrested by Melbourne police on the felony charge of trying to "possess, sell, molest a marine turtle".

Moore was one of two women photographed in July sitting on or riding sea turtles. The photos flooded social media sites and prompted multiple complaints to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which handled the criminal investigation.

Moore's arrest happened when Melbourne officers responded to a disturbance in progress early on Saturday at a house. During their investigation, officers discovered Moore's active warrant in reference to failing to comply with a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rule.