The waterways and beaches of Florida are home to a diverse shark population measuring as less as 2 feet to as much as 35 feet. The lemon shark is the most common that can be sighted all year round. Most other species are usually seen in Florida from June to August.
Sea-goers are generally warned to be aware of sharks over 6 feet as even a single bite could lead to severe injuries. The International Shark Attack File kept by Florida Museum has so far recorded 896 unprovoked attacks over a period of 180 years.
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List of Different Types of Sharks of Florida
Common Sharks |
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| Species | Maximum Size | Aggressiveness |
| Lemon Shark | 9-10 feet | Not aggressive |
| Tiger Shark | 10-14 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Great Hammerhead Shark | 12-18 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Bull Shark | 7-12 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Caribbean Reef Shark | 8-9 feet | Not aggressive |
| Nurse Shark | 7-8 feet | Not aggressive |
| Sandbar Shark | 7-8 feet | Not aggressive |
| Silky Shark | 7-10 feet | Highly aggressive |
| Spinner Shark | 7 -8 feet | Not aggressive |
| Dusky Shark | 9 -12 feet | Not aggressive (until provoked) |
| Blacknose Shark | 3-5 feet | Not aggressive |
| Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | 2-4 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Blacktip Shark | 5-8 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark | 7-13 feet | Highly aggressive |
Rare Sharks |
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| Scalloped Hammerhead Shark | 9-12 feet | Moderately aggressive |
| Smooth Hammerhead Shark | 8-12 feet | Not aggressive (but are potentially dangerous) |
| Whale Shark | 18-32 feet | Not aggressive |
| Blacktip Shark | 4- 6.5 feet | Not aggressive |
| Bonnethead Shark | 3-4 ft | Not aggressive |
| Smalltooth Sawfish | 15-17 feet | Not aggressive |
FAQs
1. Are there great white sharks in Florida?
Great white sharks aren’t native to Florida. However, in June 2022, two Great whites, Breton and Scot were sighted along the south Florida coast.
2. Can you swim with sharks in Florida?
Florida is famous for the numerous shark tours conducted by several dive charters. The Calypso Dive Charter offers visitors a splendid experience in the waters with various species like the lemon shark, tiger shark, and sandbar shark. The novice can take the snorkeling trips under the guidance of a trained divemaster. The experienced could avail of the scuba charters and go cage diving down the waters to directly interact with the sharks and take unique photographs of them.
3. When is shark season in Florida?
The shark season in Florida is from April to October, coinciding with the swim season there.
4. When do sharks migrate in Florida?
In spring and summer, the sharks migrate north close to the shores. During fall and winter, they drift away from the shores towards the south. The black fin shark spotted in the estuaries, bays, and coastal waters of Florida has a different migration pattern. They are seen in the waters of south Florida in mid-January and stay there till March. During migration, the black fins travel in large schools.
5. Is a permit for shark fishing needed in Florida?
Yes, anglers aged 16 and above require a permit for shore-based shark fishing. Though those above 65 years of age might get an exemption on the fishing license, but would have to acquire a license for fishing sharks.
