Three men seen on camera dragging a shark behind a speeding boat are being charged.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say 21-year-old Michael Wenzel, 23-year-old Spencer Heintz and 28-year-old Robert Lee Benac will each face two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
The video went viral in late July after a Miami sport fisherman criticized it on social media.
It shows three men aboard the boat, laughing as the shark is being dragged in the water.
"As we've said since this video and other images came to light, these actions have no place in Florida, where we treasure and conserve our natural resources for everyone," Commission Chairman Bo Rivard said. "It is our hope these charges will send a clear message to others that this kind of behavior involving our fish and wildlife will not be tolerated."
Gov. Rick Scott also released a statement after the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office announced the charges.
"I was outraged by the sickening video of a shark being horribly abused earlier this year," he said. "Florida has no tolerance for this mistreatment, and I am proud of the hard work of FWC law enforcement during this investigation to hold these individuals accountable for their horrific actions."