Located in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Keys are a chain of islands stretching over 120 miles.
These islands boast vibrant coral reefs and picturesque sunsets, making them a haven for nature lovers.
The waters surrounding the Florida Keys are teeming with marine life, including various shark species.
While encounters with sharks are rare, these creatures are an integral part of the diverse ecosystem in the area.
Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts frequent the Keys for the opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Each Key, from bustling Key West to the serene beaches of Marathon and Islamabad, has its own unique charm.
Visitors can enjoy world-class fishing, water sports, and eco-tours, or simply relax on the sandy shores.
Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, the Florida Keys offer a paradise of nature that beckons visitors to return time and time again.
Understanding our data at Florida Keys
In our comprehensive overview of florida keys, the data presented in this article is compiled from a variety of public sources, providing a consolidated view of shark encounters by beach.
As you explore the data, it is important to note that while we have organized the information by specific beaches, neighboring beaches may also have their own detailed posts.
We encourage you to utilize the search function on our website to discover unique posts that may pertain to nearby locations.
Given the unpredictable and often chaotic circumstances surrounding shark attacks, some of the details within our tables have been inferred post-incident.
This is a common practice in the documentation of such events, due to factors like the rapid response required at the scene and the retrospective nature of assembling such data.
Our aim is to offer a resource that not only informs but also enhances awareness and safety practices for all who venture into the marine environment.
As you navigate through the information, we hope it serves as a reminder of the respect and caution that our florida beaches command.
Recorded Attack #1
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1954-07-04
Year
1954
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
A Marine Biology Student From The University Of Miami
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
Small Wound On Upper Thigh
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Nurse Shark, 2.5'
Recorded Attack #2
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2006-07-01
Year
2006
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Spearfishing
Name
Gary Hall
Sex
M
Age
35
Injury
Minor Injuries
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
1.8 M Blacktip Reef Shark
Recorded Attack #3
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1917-07-18
Year
1917
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Diving
Name
William Sinker
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Fatal
Fatal
Y
Time
Afternoon
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #4
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2007-04-13
Year
2007
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Boat: 48' Charter Boat Gonfishin V
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupants, Shark Holed The Transom-Mounted Livewell
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Bull Shark, 10'
Recorded Attack #5
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1968-03-01
Year
1968
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
Treading Water
Name
Jared Voorhees
Sex
M
Age
28
Injury
No Injury
Fatal
Unknown
Time
Night
Species
Invalid
Recorded Attack #6
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1967-07-29
Year
1967
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Snorkeling
Name
Joseph Mcgonigal
Sex
M
Age
20
Injury
Foot Lacerated
Fatal
N
Time
Afternoon
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #7
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1969-07-22
Year
1969
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Walter Griffin
Sex
M
Age
13
Injury
Scrape On Head. Recorded As Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
16H00
Species
Nurse Shark
Recorded Attack #8
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2016-07-27
Year
2016
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Lobstering
Name
Warren Sapp
Sex
M
Age
43.0
Injury
Laceration To Left Forearm Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Nurse Shark, 4'
Recorded Attack #9
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys 25ºn,82ºw
Date
1919-04-06
Year
1919
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Knocked Into The Water
Name
Fisherman, A Companion Of J. Rose & W. Koegler
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Fatal
Fatal
Y
Time
N/A
Species
3.7 M [12'], 1200-Lb Shark. Shark Caught & Its Jaw Exhibited At The Carnegie Museum
Recorded Attack #10
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1969-06-27
Year
1969
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
Steven Benham
Sex
M
Age
22
Injury
No Details
Fatal
Unknown
Time
1600
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #11
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
2020-07-29
Year
2020
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Diving
Name
Justin Stuller
Sex
M
Age
38.0
Injury
Lower Leg Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Lemon Shark, 8'
Recorded Attack #12
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2015-04-13
Year
2015
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Photographing The Shark
Name
Mark Rackley
Sex
M
Age
48
Injury
Lacerations To Shoulder And Left Bicep
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Blue Shark, 8 To 9 Feet
Recorded Attack #13
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2022-07-27
Year
2022
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Lobstering
Name
Fischer Hricko
Sex
M
Age
13.0
Injury
Injury To Upper Lip
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Nurse Shark
Recorded Attack #14
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2006-07-01
Year
2006
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Spearfishing
Name
Bebe Hall
Sex
F
Age
28
Injury
Lacerations & Puncture Wound To Arm
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
1.8 M Blacktip Reef Shark
Recorded Attack #15
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1968-07-23
Year
1968
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
H. Meacham
Sex
M
Age
33
Injury
Abrasions On Lower Leg
Fatal
N
Time
13H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #16
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
1961-09-26
Year
1961
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Paul Walter
Sex
M
Age
16
Injury
Foot & Lower Leg Abraded And Lacerated When He Kicked The Shark Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
16H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #17
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
1996-01-23
Year
1996
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
Christopher Riley
Sex
M
Age
33
Injury
Shark Bit His Leg After He Grabbed Its Tail & Wouldn'T Let Go Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Nurse Shark, 0.9 M [3']
Recorded Attack #18
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
1966-09-08
Year
1966
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Hunting Crayfish
Name
David Redmond
Sex
M
Age
14
Injury
Abdomen Abraded When He Seized Shark Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Nurse Shark, 2.5'
Recorded Attack #19
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys, Monroe County
Date
2016-04-07
Year
2016
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Jonathan Lester
Sex
M
Age
34.0
Injury
Left Hand Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
5' To 6' Shark
Recorded Attack #20
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
2000-08-10
Year
2000
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
Attempting To Illegally Enter The Usa
Name
Juan & Alex Bueno
Sex
M
Age
23 & 20
Injury
Shark Involvement Probably Post-Mortem
Fatal
Unknown
Time
N/A
Species
Shark Involvement Prior To Death Was Not Confirmed
Recorded Attack #21
Area
Florida
Location
Florida Keys
Date
1957-02-01
Year
1957
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Skindiving For Specimens
Name
R.P.L. Straughan
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Minor Injuries
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Said To Involve A Large Mako Shark
Check Out Some Of Our Other Shark Attack Posts
Here we have 5 posts going over some other nearby beaches where shark attacks have happened