Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025
To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prohibit feeding sharks in the exclusive economic zone off the State of Florida.
This bill, known as the Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025, aims to change federal law by prohibiting the feeding of sharks in the waters of Florida's exclusive economic zone. This area extends from the shore out to 200 miles off the coast. The bill seeks to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which is the primary law governing marine fisheries management in U.S. federal waters. By prohibiting shark feeding, the bill aims to protect both marine life and human safety.
The proposed law would affect fishermen, marine biologists, and anyone else who might be involved in feeding sharks, which is currently not prohibited in federal waters. This change could help maintain the natural behavior of sharks and reduce incidents where sharks become too accustomed to humans, which can be dangerous. The bill has bipartisan support from both Republican and Democratic sponsors.
The bill was introduced on June 6, 2025, and has since passed through several stages in the legislative process. As of June 3, 2026, it has been reported and passed by the House Committee on Natural Resources. It was then referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Key actions include subcommittee hearings and committee consideration, leading to a unanimous consent order to report the bill. The bill's future steps include further Senate consideration and potential final approval.
