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Rules by state · Florida (Atlantic)

Rock hindin Florida (Atlantic)

Epinephelus adscensionis

Recreational rule, FWC 2026, checked Sep 20, 2026. The official rulebook is the final word.

Illustration of a Rock Hind (Epinephelus adscensionis), side view, on a white background
Drawing: Duane Raver / USFWS

The rule in Florida (Atlantic)

Florida (Atlantic)’s own rule for rock hind in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.

SizeNo size limit
BagUp to 3 within 3-grouper aggregate
SeasonOpen May 1-Dec 31

Counts toward an aggregate limit: Atlantic 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.

FWC 2026· checked Open

Beyond 3 miles: federal waters

A different rule past the 3-mile line, written by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Where the two differ, the water you are in decides.

SizeNo size limit
Bag3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate
SeasonMay 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16

How to tell it

Olive hind, dark saddles on the back, big blotchy spots. More on the rock hind page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.

Rock hind in other states

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Point the camera at a rock hind in Florida (Atlantic) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.

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Rock hind in Florida (Atlantic): the questions

What is the size limit for rock hind in Florida (Atlantic)?

No size limit.

How many rock hind can you keep in Florida (Atlantic)?

Up to 3 within 3-grouper aggregate. It counts toward an aggregate: Atlantic 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.

When is rock hind season in Florida (Atlantic)?

Open May 1-Dec 31. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.

How current is this Florida (Atlantic) rock hind rule?

Source: FWC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.