Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025
Description
This bill would prohibit feeding sharks in federal waters off the Florida coast except for harvesting, research, or safety-vetted purposes.
Summary
What it does
This bill would prohibit the practice of feeding sharks within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Florida for any purpose other than harvesting them. It specifically proposes making it unlawful to introduce food or other substances into these federal waters to attract sharks, with exceptions for federally funded research programs. Additionally, shark feeding would be permitted if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or state law determines the activity poses no risk to public health or safety.
Who is affected
This bill affects individuals and entities operating in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone seaward of Florida, specifically those who introduce food or substances to attract sharks for purposes other than harvesting. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for determining safety risks regarding feeding exceptions, while researchers involved in federally funded programs are also impacted by specific exemptions.
Key provisions
- Prohibition on shark feeding in Florida federal waters. The bill prohibits the introduction of food or other substances to attract sharks within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone seaward of Florida, unless the activity is for the purpose of harvesting sharks.
- Exemption for federally funded research. The prohibition does not apply to shark feeding conducted as part of research programs that receive funding through federal appropriations.
- Safety and public health exceptions. Shark feeding is permitted if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or state law determines the activity presents no risk to public safety or health.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 3831, Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025· As reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on May 20, 2026
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill establishes federal regulations for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that complement existing Florida state water protections, while providing exceptions for research programs funded by federal appropriations and activities deemed safe by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to regulate human interaction with sharks by prohibiting the practice of shark feeding within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Florida, except for the purposes of harvesting sharks or conducting authorized research. It establishes these restrictions to manage the introduction of substances used to attract sharks, while allowing for exceptions where no public health or safety risks are identified.