Florence wins nailbiting Bells surf final

Hawaiian surfing star John John Florence has beaten Brazilian Filipe Toledo in a tight Bells Beach final to win his first Rip Curl Pro title.

John John Florence has taken out the Rip Curl Pro title at Bells Beach. (AAP)

Hawaiian surfing star John John Florence has beaten Brazilian Filipe Toledo in a nailbiting Bells Beach final to win his first Rip Curl Pro title.

Toledo needed a 6.98 when he caught his last wave with 12 seconds left, but the judges only gave him a 5.90 and Florence won 14.30 to 13.98.

It also gives Florence the rankings lead after the 2016 and 2017 world champion missed much of last season because of a knee injury.