Florida once again led the United States in unprovoked shark bites in 2025, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s incidents, according to data from the International Shark Attack File.
A total of 25 unprovoked shark bites were reported across the United States last year. Florida recorded 11 cases, representing 44% of the national total and 17% of unprovoked bites worldwide. None of Florida’s incidents were fatal.
Despite leading the nation, Florida’s total was below its recent five-year annual average of 19 incidents.
Other states reporting unprovoked bites included California (5), Hawaii (4), South Carolina (2), New York (1), North Carolina (1), and Texas (1). The only fatal U.S. attack occurred in central California, where a 55-year-old triathlete was killed by a white shark.
Within Florida, Volusia County recorded the most bites with six, accounting for 54% of the state’s total. The area includes New Smyrna Beach, widely known as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.”
Other Florida incidents included two bites each in Broward and Lee counties and one in Miami-Dade County.
Most encounters occurred during common ocean activities. Swimming or wading accounted for 46% of incidents, followed by surfing and board sports (32%), snorkeling or free-diving (15%), and other activities (6%).
Globally, the United States recorded more shark bites than any other country in 2025, though Australia reported the most fatal attacks. Outside the U.S., the Bahamas recorded five unprovoked bites, followed by New Zealand with three.
