In recent decades, the increase in incidence of melanoma (MM) and the consequent mortality pointed to the concept of a ‘melanoma epidemic’. More recently, the mortality has been slowly declining in many countries. This study is aimed at evaluating the incidence, mortality and survival in the Florentine area of Italy, using registry-based information. Between 1985 and 1994, 997 cases were notified with a survival of 713 patients (1985–92) and 316 deaths. Age-adjusted incidence, mortality rates and 95% confidence interval were calculated by period, gender and Breslow thickness. The relative survival rates were calculated and the effects of prognostic factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis. The incidence of MM increased during this period. This result referred only to ‘thin melanomas’, while the incidence rate for melanomas thicker than 1.00 mm remained unchanged both in young and old individuals. The mortality rate remained stable. The 5-year survival rate increased between 1985 and 1992. The inclusion of Breslow thickness in the multivariate model caused a reduction of the period effect. In conclusion, a changing pattern of MM epidemiology is being observed, with increase of ‘thin’ forms and a tendency for mortality to decline. The increasing awareness of population about MM prevention may partially explain these findings.