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NewsNBC 6 South FloridaJuly 2, 2026Miami-Dade

New Federal Law Authorizes Shark Attack Mobile Alerts

President Donald Trump has signed 'Lulu’s Law,' federal legislation that allows the FCC to include shark attacks as a category for emergency mobile phone alerts. The law, inspired by shark attack survivor Lulu Gribbin, enables states to implement warning systems similar to Amber Alerts to notify beachgoers of recent shark activity.

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Why It Matters

The law creates a federal framework for states to send emergency mobile alerts to beachgoers following a shark attack, potentially changing how local governments communicate ocean safety risks to the public.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump signed 'Lulu’s Law' into effect last week.
  • The law authorizes the FCC to permit emergency mobile alerts for shark attacks.
  • Implementation of the alert systems is left to individual states.
  • Alabama previously approved a state-level shark warning system in 2024.
  • The legislation classifies a shark attack as a qualifying event for emergency alerts.
  • Lulu Gribbin was attacked by a shark on June 7, 2024, off the Florida Panhandle.
  • There are typically 60 to 80 unprovoked shark bites worldwide annually.
  • The International Shark Attack File tracks shark bite data.
  • Bull sharks are frequently found 1,312 feet (400 meters) offshore in the area where Gribbin was attacked.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFederal Communications Commission“Federal agency authorized to allow emergency shark attack alerts.”personBethany Hamilton“Professional surfer and shark attack survivor.”locationFlorida“State where the attack occurred.”personGavin Naylor“Director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program.”personBraxton Rocha“Shark attack survivor who supports the alert system.”personLulu Gribbin“Shark attack survivor and advocate for the legislation.”locationAlabama“Home state of Lulu Gribbin and the first state to approve a similar warning syst”personKatie Britt“U.S. Senator from Alabama who sponsored the bill.”personDonald Trump“President who signed the legislation into law.”