<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0206</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2021-11-30</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>1</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0001853070</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>PROOF Acquisition Corp I</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>PACI</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001362651</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>Backus John C.</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O PROOF ACQUISITION CORP I</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>11911 FREEDOM DRIVE, STE 1080</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>RESTON</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>VA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>20190</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>true</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>true</isOfficer>
            <officerTitle>Chief Executive Officer</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <remarks>The Reporting Person is, along with Steven P. Mullins and Michael W. Zarlenga, a managing member of PROOF Sponsor Management, LLC, the manager of PROOF Acquisition Sponsor I, LLC, the sponsor of the issuer. No person individually has the power to vote or control the interests of the sponsor and the Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of shares held by the sponsor, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ John C. Backus, Jr.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2021-11-30</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
