Florida Vibrio vulnificus Cases Rise to 23 in 2025: When Can Victims Pursue Legal Claims?

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has confirmed that 23 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” have been reported statewide in 2025, including two cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Tragically, five people have already died this year from the infection, highlighting both the severity of the illness and the importance of immediate medical intervention.

One Pensacola woman, for example, believes she contracted the infection in Santa Rosa Sound after swimming with a small cut on her leg. Within days, her condition deteriorated, and she developed blistering lesions and severe swelling, nearly losing her leg and her life.

These cases bring renewed attention to public health risks in Florida’s coastal waters and also raise critical questions: Can victims or their families pursue legal claims when Vibrio infections occur? The answer depends heavily on the circumstances surrounding the exposure.

What Is Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters such as bays, estuaries, and coastal inlets. It is most common in Florida during the warmer months, typically May through October.

Infections occur in two primary ways:

• Open Wounds: Exposing cuts, scrapes, or surgical wounds to contaminated water.
• Raw Seafood Consumption: Eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.

While infections are relatively rare, they are extremely dangerous. According to the CDC:

• 1 in 5 people die from Vibrio vulnificus infections.
• Symptoms can develop within 24 hours of exposure.
• Severe cases can cause necrotizing fasciitis, requiring amputations or resulting in death.

As of August 28, 2025, Florida officials have reported:

• 23 total cases statewide.
• 5 deaths, including fatalities in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties.
• Confirmed infections in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, demonstrating that the risk extends across the Panhandle as well as Central and South Florida.

Between 2008 and 2025, more than 179 Floridians have died from Vibrio infections.

Legal Questions: When Could There Be a Claim?

Not every Vibrio infection results in legal liability. Because the bacteria are naturally occurring in Florida’s waters, courts generally recognize that swimming in natural bodies of water carries inherent risks. However, in certain scenarios, there may be grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim:

1. Restaurants and Seafood Providers

If a person contracts Vibrio from raw oysters or undercooked seafood, liability may exist if:

• The restaurant, seafood market, or distributor failed to follow state food safety regulations.
• Proper warnings were not provided about the risks of eating raw shellfish.
• The product was contaminated or mishandled, increasing bacterial levels.

Florida law requires food establishments to post consumer advisories about the risks of raw oyster consumption. Failure to do so can strengthen a victim’s case.

2. Negligence by Municipalities or Utilities

In rare cases, Vibrio exposure may be linked to flooding or water main breaks caused by negligence. For example:

• A broken water line that flushes contaminated brackish water into residential areas.
• Failure to properly maintain stormwater systems or culverts, leading to unsafe exposure.

If a utility provider or government agency failed to maintain infrastructure and that failure directly contributed to exposure, families may have grounds for a negligent maintenance claim.

3. Negligent Supervision or Facility Liability

If Vibrio exposure occurred at a marina, resort, or commercial water attraction, liability could arise if operators failed to:

• Warn visitors of heightened risks during warm water months.
• Implement basic precautions, like treating contained water features.

4. Medical Malpractice

Once exposed, delayed diagnosis is often fatal. If a doctor or hospital fails to recognize classic Vibrio symptoms—such as blistering lesions, rapid swelling, or signs of sepsis—victims may have a claim for medical malpractice if earlier intervention could have prevented amputation or death.

Preventing Vibrio Infections

The CDC and FDOH recommend:

• Avoiding raw oysters or undercooked seafood.
• Staying out of coastal waters if you have open cuts, sores, or recent surgical wounds.
• Covering wounds with waterproof bandages when contact with brackish water is unavoidable.
• Seeking immediate medical care if symptoms like fever, blistering skin, or swelling appear after water or seafood exposure.

Wrongful Death and Injury Claims in Florida

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, families who lose loved ones due to negligence can pursue damages for:

• Medical and funeral expenses.
• Loss of companionship and support.
• Mental pain and suffering of parents (in cases involving minor children).
• Lost future earnings or services of the deceased.

For survivors who suffer amputations or long-term complications, personal injury claims may include:

• Medical bills and future care needs.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.

Vibrio vulnificus cases are a public health concern in Florida. While many are the result of natural exposure, some stem from negligence by restaurants, food suppliers, property owners, or medical providers.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims and families who have suffered life-altering harm due to negligence. Our team investigates the cause of infections, identifies responsible parties, and pursues maximum compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one contracted Vibrio vulnificus in Florida, call 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We charge no fees unless we win.