GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The latest update from the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File reveals a decline in unprovoked shark bites within Florida for 2025, contrasting with a global return to near-normal levels.

In the United States, the trend of fewer unprovoked shark bites has continued over the past five years. However, in 2025, these incidents still represented 38% of global cases, down from over 50% in previous years since 2019, according to the report.

Florida experienced 11 shark bites last year, with Volusia County, famously known as the shark-bite capital, accounting for six instances. This number is below the state’s five-year average, which typically sees about 18 bites annually.

Globally, the number of shark bites stabilized following a significant drop in unprovoked encounters in 2024. The museum reported a total of 65 shark bites worldwide in 2025, including nine fatal incidents, which is slightly below the decade average of 72 bites.

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“The International Shark Attack Files offer crucial baseline data on shark attacks, rigorously and scientifically investigated and summarized each year. While some incidents may go unreported, the trends and patterns observed are vital for understanding shark biology, behavior, and the risks posed to humans,” stated Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The museum’s International Shark Attack File was established in 1958 and includes records dating back to the 1500s. The annual reports are primarily focused on unprovoked bites, defined as incidents in which a person does not initiate contact with a shark, intentionally or otherwise. Activities that influence a shark’s behavior, such as spearfishing or releasing a shark from a hook or net, are not included in the report.

Brooke Bowser, Florida Museum

Read more at the museum’s website.