The Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 stops people from feeding sharks in Florida's coastal waters. This change helps protect sharks and maintain a healthy ocean ecosystem.
Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025This bill prohibits shark feeding in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) seaward of Florida for any purpose other than to harvest sharks, subject to limited exceptions. (Florida state waters generally extend 3 miles from the shore in the Atlantic Ocean and 9 miles from the shore in the Gulf of America. The EEZ is seaward of and adjacent to state waters and generally extends to 200 miles from the U.S. coastline.) Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful to introduce, or attempt to introduce, food or any other substance into these waters to attract sharks for any purpose other than to harvest sharks. Exceptions allow shark feeding (1) for research programs funded by federal appropriations, or (2) to the extent that the feeding presents no public health hazard or safety risk (as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or under state law).
1. This bill prohibits feeding sharks in the waters off Florida. 2. It aims to protect shark populations and their natural behavior. 3. The bill amends existing laws related to fishery management. 4. It specifically adds Florida to the list of states with this prohibition. 5. The goal is to enhance marine safety and conservation efforts.