Discover The 7 Most Dangerous Florida Beaches To Be Wary Of This Spring Break

Each year around the Easter holiday, students from all walks of life participate in spring break, a week’s long vacation in the warm sun. People travel from all over the country to subtropical climates, where the water is pleasant, and the air is balmy. And, of course, Florida is at the top of that list. This southern state provides mild to hot temperatures during the spring, and its beaches are an oasis for those needing an escape from still-frigid climates. But many of the popular beach spots in Florida have a bad reputation. Discover the seven most dangerous Florida beaches to be wary of this spring break and learn what makes them so treacherous.

Why are these seven Florida beaches so dangerous? Find out now. Plus, here’s the study that breaks down and compares these deadly beaches.

1. New Smyrna Beach (The #1 Most Dangerous Florida Beach)

South of Daytona is the surf hub known as New Smyrna Beach. The area features 17 miles of white sand beaches and pristine waves. The city surrounding it has a unique art scene, hotels, and delicious cuisine. However, this surfing destination is not for the faint of heart. New Smyrna Beach is the deadliest beach in the U.S., with 32 shark attacks, 10 surf zone fatalities, and 120 hurricanes since 1851. It has an overall danger score of 8.14/10. If you like sharks, this beach is for you. If you prefer to leave your vacation with all your limbs intact, maybe skip it.

2. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center. This area is famous for its surf breaks, fun atmosphere, and proximity to Orlando. It is the perfect little beach town that all spring breakers envision when making yearly plans. Unfortunately, Cocoa Beach also has a danger score of 7.57 out of 10. While most Florida beaches have seen at least 120 hurricanes since the mid-1800s, this beach, in particular, has also had seven shark attacks and seven surfing fatalities since 2010.

3. Ormond Beach

Located in Volusia County, north of Daytona, Ormond Beach is a resort area with a small-town feel. It’s popular for its sandy shores, diverse ecosystems, and stretches of marshland. And people spend their days surfing, sunning, swimming, and fishing. But Ormond Beach scored a 7.48 out of 10 on the danger scale. This area has seen eight surfing fatalities and four shark attacks since 2010.

4. Panama City Beach

Panama City is a waterfront beach town and vacation destination. It’s located in Northwest Florida in the Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico. There are 27 miles of pristine beaches, perfect for all kinds of water activities and spring break events. However, Panama City Beach scored 7.16 out of 10 on the danger scale. This area has witnessed two shark attacks and 24 surfing fatalities. So maybe don’t surf.

5. Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach is in Brevard County on the Space Coast along the Indian River Lagoon. It’s known as a family-friendly vacation destination, providing many fun activities. You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, and much more. However, this quaint beach isn’t the safest haven. Melbourne Beach scored 6.35 out of 10 on the danger zone. This beach has had three surfing deaths and six shark attacks since 2010.

6. Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach, or Jax Beach, is in Northern Florida in Duval County. The beach is a resort city popular for its lively atmosphere, beautiful resorts, and delicious restaurants. It’s a famous fishing and golfing area, but people also enjoy swimming and surfing. Jacksonville Beach scored 6.02 out of 10 on the beach danger scale. The area has experienced three shark attacks and three surfing fatalities.

7. Fort Lauderdale

Oh, Fort Lauderdale, the ultimate spring break getaway for antsy college students. Located on Florida’s southeastern coast, this city features 23 miles of golden beaches, boating canals, luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and all kinds of shopping. And even though it’s the last beach on the list, Fort Lauderdale is still one of the most dangerous Florida beaches. It scored 5.37 out of 10. The area has seen three surfing fatalities and two shark attacks since 2010. 

Land Wildlife Around Florida Beaches

Here are some land animals you could see during spring break.

• Iguanas
• Armadillos
• Key deer
• American alligators
• American crocodiles
• Roseate Spoonbills
• Bald eagles
• Ibis

Marine Life Off Florida’s Coasts

What could be swimming in Florida’s marine waters? Potentially these species:

• Sea turtles
• Manatees
• Dolphins
• Corals
• Manta rays
• Spiny lobsters
• Crabs
• Many sharks, including great whites, tiger sharks, bulls sharks, hammerheads, sandbar sharks, lemon sharks, blacktips, nurse sharks, and dusky sharks.

Summary Of The 7 Most Dangerous Florida Beaches To Be Wary Of This Spring Break