Why this Florida resort town is known as the shark attack capital of the world

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Beyond its reputation as a premier surf destination, New Smyrna Beach holds a more intimidating title. With a high frequency of shark encounters, the city has become a focal point for researchers tracking marine interactions, while its history reveals a complex past of colonial ambition, moonshine, and rapid growth.

New Smyrna Beach, located on Florida's central east coast, has a history that began in 1768 when Scottish physician Dr. Andrew Turnbull established a colony named after his wife's birthplace in the Ottoman Empire. Turnbull recruited approximately 1,300 settlers, primarily from the Spanish island of Menorca, to cultivate indigo, sugarcane, and hemp. The colony ultimately collapsed due to disease, raids, and poor treatment of the workforce, leading the survivors to relocate to St. Augustine. Today, the city honors this heritage, including the first Greek Orthodox followers in North America, through local historical sites.

The modern city, incorporated in 1887 with a population of just 150, saw significant expansion after Henry Flagler brought railway service in 1892. During the 1920s, the area's river islands became notorious hideouts for rum runners during Prohibition. By 1947, the city annexed the seaside community of Coronado Beach, adopting its current name. It now functions as a resort town with over 30,000 residents, governed by a commission-manager system, and serves as a hub for arts and motorsports, including the New Smyrna Speedway, which opened in 1967.

The city's relationship with the Atlantic Ocean is central to its identity. While it is celebrated as a top-tier surf town, it also holds the distinction of being the shark-bite capital of the world. Data from the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File indicates that Volusia County has frequently recorded more confirmed bites than any other region globally. In 2008, the town recorded 24 bites, and incidents remain common, such as a 2016 day where three surfers were bitten within hours. Despite the frequency of these encounters, fatalities remain rare, and the city continues to draw visitors for its surfing, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

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