ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida is once again the No. 1 state in the U.S. for shark bites for 2023, according to the University of Florida and the Florida Museum.
The museum’s International Shark Attack File lists 69 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide last year — 16 of which happened in Florida.
That means Florida has had more shark attacks reported than any other state in the country. None of the listed attacks were fatal, however.
The locations of those Florida shark attacks in 2023 were as follows:
| Location | No. of Reported Attacks | Type(s) of Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Volusia County | 8 | Spinner, Blacktip, N/A |
| Brevard County | 2 | N/A |
| St. Lucie County | 2 | Bull, Spinner |
| Miami-Dade County | 1 | Bull |
| Palm Beach County | 1 | Bull |
| Pinellas County | 1 | N/A |
| Escambia County | 1 | Mako |
As usual, Volusia and Brevard counties ranked among the top locations in the state for shark attacks.
Since 1882, Volusia County has seen more than 350 attacks, and Brevard County has seen 158, making them the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the state for shark attacks, respectively.
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Due to Volusia County’s propensity for shark attacks, it’s commonly referred to as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.”
Data also shows that unprovoked shark attacks are most often reported in September, though fall and summer are generally the seasons in which attacks are reported.
Additionally, the ISAF reports that shark attacks happen most frequently between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., likely due to the fact that more people are out at the beaches during those times.
According to the ISAF, the vast majority of unprovoked attacks are “test bites,” which happen when a shark mistakes a human as another type of prey.
When this happens, sharks typically swim away after a single bite, the report states.
To reduce your chances of being attacked by a shark, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission offers the following tips:
- Always stay in groups: Sharks are more likely to attack individuals who are on their own.
- Don’t wander too far from shore: Doing so isolates swimmers and makes assistance more difficult if needed.
- Avoid being in the water at night: Despite most shark attacks happening during the day, sharks are most active during darkness or twilight hours.
- Don’t enter the water if you’re bleeding or menstruating: Sharks are able to smell blood in the water.
- Be careful about how you look: Sharks can see contrasts decently, so bright-colored clothes and uneven tans can draw a shark’s attention.
- Refrain from splashing too much: This sort of activity can draw a shark’s attention.
The FWC also warns beachgoers and swimmers along Florida’s coast to stick to areas with lifeguards and never harass sharks in the wild.
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