Florida’s beaches are famous for soft sand, warm water, and seashells—but for the patient and sharp-eyed, there’s another kind of treasure hiding in plain sight: shark teeth.
Worn smooth by time and tide, these tiny fossils tell the story of ancient seas and prehistoric predators. Some are no bigger than a fingernail; others, large and serrated, once belonged to the mighty megalodon. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, here are the best places in Florida to hunt for shark teeth—and a few tips to help you spot them.
Venice Beach – “The Shark Tooth Capital of the World”
Venice Beach, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is legendary for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth. They’re constantly washing up from offshore fossil beds on the ancient continental shelf.
Where to Go: Try Caspersen Beach, just south of downtown Venice. The darker sand here makes it easier to spot teeth.
Tip: Bring a sand sifter or “Florida snow shovel” (a scoop with a mesh basket) to sort through the shallows.
Manasota Key – Secluded and Productive
Less crowded than Venice, the beaches of Manasota Key (including Blind Pass Beach and Englewood Beach) also yield plenty of shark teeth.
Bonus: It’s a peaceful place for sunset walks—and you might even find fossilized stingray teeth or fragments of mammoth bone.
Peace River – A Fossil Hunter’s Paradise
For those who want to go deeper—literally—Peace River, inland from Punta Gorda, is a great place to sift for larger fossils like shark teeth, dugong ribs, and alligator scutes.
Fossil Permit Required: Apply through the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Best Time: Spring and early summer, when water levels are lower.
How to Go: Rent a kayak or go with a local fossil hunting guide.
Amelia Island – Quiet, Northern Riches
Up near the Georgia border, Amelia Island has beaches that turn up a surprising number of shark teeth—especially after storms or high surf.
Where to Look: Try Fort Clinch State Park or Main Beach Park.
Tip: Scan the shell line at low tide.
Mickler’s Landing – A Hidden Gem in Ponte Vedra
Just south of Jacksonville, this lesser-known beach offers pink-tinged sand and excellent shelling—and that includes shark teeth.
Why It Works: Fossil layers offshore frequently wash up after storms or nor’easters.
Best Time: Early morning after a high tide.
Tips for Finding Shark Teeth
Look for Black or Brown Triangles: Fossilized teeth are darker than shells.
Scan the Wrack Line: That’s where shells and debris collect.
Go After a Storm: Surf churns up deeper layers.
Use a Mesh Sifter or Scoop: Much easier than bare hands.
Be Patient: Once you find one, your eyes adjust—it gets easier.
Final Thoughts: A Treasure Hiding in Plain Sight
Florida’s coasts are rich with hidden history. Each shark tooth you find is a tiny time capsule—often millions of years old. Whether you’re a curious beach stroller or a dedicated fossil hunter, these waters have something waiting for you.
Just don’t forget the sunscreen, a small bag for your finds, and the sense of wonder that turns a beach walk into a true discovery.