Florida is once again tops in the world for the number of unprovoked shark bites , even as the overall number of attacks declined in 2024.

An annual report by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) shows 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites globally, significantly lower than the average 64 annually over the previous five years.

Four of the 47 attacks were fatal, including one in the U.S. Actor and surfer Tamayo Perry was killed by a shark while surfing near the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu June 23.

Swimmers and waders accounted for the majority of unprovoked bites, representing 50% of the incidents. Surfers accounted for 34%, and snorkelers/free divers accounted for 8%, ISAF said.

The U.S. had the most bites at 28 compared to 36 bites in 2023, for 60% of the world's cases.

The Sunshine State racked up 14 confirmed bites along its coastline, none of which were fatal. That's 30% of worldwide attacks, versus 19 in 2023.

"Florida has long topped global charts for the number of shark bites, and 2024 was no different," ISAF said in its report.

Deadly shark attacks in 2024

Four deaths were attributed to fatal shark attacks in 2024, according ISAF.

Shark attacks in 2024

Florida had most shark attacks in the world

Though Florida saw fewer shark bites in 2024 than the annual average of 19 incidents, the Sunshine State still led the U.S. and world in cases.

Where did Florida shark attacks happen?

Volusia County had the most shark bites with eight, more than half of the state total, and in line with the county's five-year annual average of nine.

How likely is a shark bite?

The number of unprovoked shark bites worldwide remains extremely low and fatalities decreased over the past year.

The relative risk of a shark attack is small, but risks should be minimized whenever possible in any activity, ISAF advised.

How to reduce odds of shark attack

Shark bites are unlikely and rarely fatal, but the odds are never zero.

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