Florida beaches claim 9 of top 10 spots for most shark attacks in America, new study shows
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Florida beaches dominated a list of the top 10 U.S. beaches with shark attacks dating back several hundred years, according to a new report.

Weather forecasting company Tideschart looked at data between 1642 through 2024 and looked at which beaches had the most shark attacks, with beaches in Florida compiling 9 out of the 10 slots. New Smyrna Beach, Florida, topped the list with 277 shark attacks since 1642.

Ryan Blundell, founder of Tideschart, said there are many swimmers who are unaware of the danger just off the shores of some Florida beaches, but said people shouldn’t panic.

“The concentration of shark attacks along Florida’s coastline is striking, with New Smyrna Beach in particular standing out as a global hotspot for shark encounters. Many people are unaware that certain beaches pose significantly higher risks than others when it comes to shark activity,” Blundell said. “These statistics shouldn’t prevent people from enjoying the ocean, but they do highlight the importance of staying informed about local marine conditions and following safety guidelines when swimming or surfing in these areas. Understanding shark patterns and behaviors can help beachgoers make safer choices about where and when to enter the water.” 

Blue Shark

Blue shark swims near the surface. (iStock)

6. Indialantic Boardwalk, Florida: 30 shark attacks

7. Fort Pierce Inlet, Florida: 24 shark attacks

8. Jupiter Beach Park, Florida: 23 shark attacks

9. Riviera Beach, Florida: 21 shark attacks

10. Cape Canaveral, Florida: 19 shark attacks

10. Isle of Palms, South Carolina: 19 shark attacks

Cities such as Galveston, Texas; Monterey, California and Gulf Shores Public Beach in Alabama were further down on the list.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided advice for swimmers concerned about shark attacks, which includes staying in groups, advising people not to swim too far from shore and using extra caution in murky waters.

In July, a surfer was bitten by a shark on New Smyrna Beach, which is known as the “shark bite capital of the world.”

Matthew Bender, 40, was bitten on his arm by a shark while surfing on July 6, according to a Volusia County Beach Safety spokesperson.

New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida

People walk past an access ramp at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida, the area with the most shark attacks in the world, on Feb. 23, 2024. (Photo by Jesus OLARTE / AFP) (Photo by JESUS OLARTE/AFP via Getty Images)

“I felt it clamp down like a bear trap out of nowhere,” Bender told Fox 35 Orlando. “By the time I looked down, it was already gone. I never saw the shark, but it bit really forcefully.”

Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Tiny 'Survivor' island will start taking Trump deportees

Remote Island Prepares to Welcome Deportees Under Trump Policy

The small Pacific island nation of Palau has entered an agreement to…
Fears for 19-year-old who vanished on Christmas Eve in Texas hotspot

Urgent Search Underway for Missing Teen Who Disappeared on Christmas Eve in Popular Texas Area

A 19-year-old woman from Texas has gone missing after setting out on…
gif student swipes TPUSA table steals signs

Unyielding TPUSA Leader Stands Firm Amid Harassment & Hostility After Kirk’s Tragic Death

In the heart of Phoenix, a fierce determination is shining through the…
Trump calls on DOJ to 'release all names' in Epstein files

Trump Urges DOJ to Disclose Complete List of Names in Epstein Files

Donald Trump has urged his Department of Justice to “release all names”…
Chevy Chase opens up about memory issues in upcoming documentary

Chevy Chase Reveals Struggles with Memory Loss in Candid New Documentary

Chevy Chase has opened up about experiencing memory loss following a significant…
Year-end tax trap if you don't act BEFORE December 31: Expert guide

Avoid the Year-End Tax Trap: Expert Tips to Maximize Savings Before December 31

A unique twist in Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is…
'It's great to see': Fans fill Jacksonville ahead of Gator Bowl kickoff

Jacksonville Buzzes with Excitement as Fans Flock to Gator Bowl Kickoff

Supporters from Missouri and Virginia are eagerly descending upon Jacksonville, bringing their…
Haunting final image of 19-year-old who vanished on Christmas Eve

Chilling Last Photo of Missing 19-Year-Old Sparks Christmas Eve Mystery

Footage from a neighbor’s security camera has recorded the last known moments…