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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 8, 2026Hillsborough County

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission finds no violations after mutilated sharks reported on Redington Beach

Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that no wildlife violations occurred after two dead sharks were reported cut up on Redington Beach. State officials reviewed photos and determined the animals were a bull shark and a blacktip reef shark, both of which are legal to harvest in Florida. Authorities noted that anglers must complete a specific educational course and hold a permit to fish for sharks, though officials have not confirmed if the individual involved held the required credentials.

Wildlife ConservationFishing RegulationsSharksBeach Safety
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Why It Matters

Residents and beachgoers are reminded of state fishing regulations and shark harvesting rules, while officials maintain that harvesting bull and blacktip reef sharks is legal under Florida law.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received reports of two dead sharks at Redington Beach on Sept. 6.
  • State officials identified the animals through photos as a bull shark and a blacktip reef shark.
  • FWC initial findings concluded there were no violations regarding the species caught because both bull sharks and blacktip reef sharks are legal to harvest in Florida.
  • A witness reported seeing a man with a fishing pole remove a shark's tail and leave the carcass on the sand.
  • A witness reported seeing the same man load pieces of another shark into a kayak and dump them near swimmers the previous weekend.
  • Anglers must complete the Shark Smart Fishing educational course to obtain a permit in addition to a recreational saltwater fishing license.
  • Officials have not confirmed whether the man seen cutting up the sharks held the mandatory state permit or fishing license.
  • The FWC encourages anyone suspecting wildlife violations to report details to state officers via phone at 888-404-3922 or online.

Who's Mentioned

PersonDylan Hubbard“Captain and owner of Hubbard’s Marina.”OrganizationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission“Investigated reports of dead sharks and reviewed photos.”locationRedington Beach“Location where two dead sharks were found.”OrganizationHubbard’s Marina“Business owned by Capt. Dylan Hubbard.”PersonCarrie Singh“Visitor who witnessed a man removing a shark's tail on Sunday.”