Carolina Hammerhead are Now a Prohibited Species in Florida Reading Time: 2 minutes

Several weeks ago, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officially classified Carolina Hammerhead as a prohibited species in Florida’s state waters. This means that possessing, harvesting, or harming Hammerheads in any way is strictly forbidden. So, make sure you read this before heading out to fish for Sharks off Florida’s coast.

Why did the FWC classify Carolina Hammerhead as prohibited?

Carolina Hammerhead are a relatively new species. They were discovered in 2013 off the coast of South Carolina when a group of scientists analyzed their DNA. They realized that they were distinct from other Hammerheads.

A photo features either a Scalloped Hammerhead or a Carolina Hammerhead in an underwater shot seen swimming near the seafloor; both species are visually identical but genetically different.

However, while genetically different, Carolina Hammerhead are visually indistinguishable from Scalloped Hammerhead, their already endangered relatives with prohibited status. They both have somewhat rounded, hammer-shaped heads and slender, light-gray bodies with white bellies.

Their identical looks but different fishing rules and regulations only lead to confusion and further damage to the vulnerable Scalloped Hammerhead population. So, the FWC decided to add Carolina Hammerhead to the list of protected species and have it join Scalloped, Great, and Smooth Hammerheads.

They all overlap in range, so the safest solution was to list them all as prohibited. With this move, the FWC managed to accomplish three crucial things:

  1. Ensure long-term conservation of Hammerhead Sharks of all kinds
  2. Establish better management control and aligned monitoring practices
  3. Remove any identification challenges between Carolina and Scalloped Hammerheads for anglers

What else should I know?

Due to a lack of data, Carolina Hammerhead aren’t classified as a species at risk of extinction.

However, having in mind that Scalloped Hammerhead are endangered – and that Carolina Hammerhead look exactly the same – it’s almost certain that they both face similar threats. So, listing them as a prohibited species is a deliberate and focused attempt by the authorities to safeguard both species.

If you’re curious to read more about which Shark species are legal to fish for, we recommend that you check the official FWC website. You’ll find information on harvestable and prohibited Sharks.

And in case you’re Shark fishing for the first time, and you’d love to know more about how to battle these infamous creatures, our guide to Shark fishing, written by Florida angler Caitlyn Gatrell, may be quite useful.

For any other questions or dilemmas, hit the comment button below and ask us – we’re glad to help.

The post Carolina Hammerhead are Now a Prohibited Species in Florida appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.

https://fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/media/2025/12/04164417/Scalloped-Hammerhead.jpg