Florida (Gulf)
saltwater rules

Q: Do I need a license to fish saltwater in Florida?

A saltwater fishing license is required for Florida residents 16–64 and all non-residents 16 and older. Residents 65 and over and children under 16 are exempt; anyone fishing from a licensed charter, party boat or licensed pier is covered by that vessel's or pier's license.

Q: How far out do Florida (Gulf) state waters go?

9 nautical miles from shore. Inside that line the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the rules on this page. Beyond it, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council sets the federal rules, and where Florida (Gulf) has no rule of its own this page shows the federal one, labelled.

Q: What if a fish is not listed for Florida?

Florida sets no specific rule for it. Size: No size limit. Bag: 2 fish or 100 lb per person per day, whichever is greater. Season: Open year-round. Florida default for unregulated saltwater species (e.g. ladyfish, crevalle jack, pinfish, white grunt, cero mackerel, bonito/little tunny, spadefish, sea catfishes, menhaden, most rays and stingrays).

Q: Which federal catches must be reported to NOAA?

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish. HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

Q: How current are these Florida (Gulf) rules?

Every row shows its source and the day it was last checked; the latest is Oct 29, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency pages nightly and the date advances when they are unchanged. Rules change mid-season by proclamation, so the official rulebook is the final word.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the rules inside Florida (Gulf)’s state waters, out to 9 nautical miles from shore. Beyond that, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council writes the federal rules. Florida’s rules split at the Keys: this page is the Gulf coast.

Nearby waters: Florida (Atlantic) · Alabama

164 species with a rule on file, checked Oct 29, 2026. 8 of them carry a federal-waters rule because Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own; those rows say so. Every row names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

African Pompano

Alectis ciliaris

Size
24 in fork length min

Bag
2 per person; 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Albacore

Longfin, Longfin tuna Thunnus alalunga

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

No recreational limits, unlike yellowfin's 3-fish/27-inch rule — but the boat still needs an HMS Angling permit.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
Almaco Jack

Almaco Seriola rivoliana

Federal rule (Gulf federal waters). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
Within 20-reef-fish aggregate (20 per person per day)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for reef fish in federal waters (DESCEND Act); Non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait; Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
American Eel

Yellow eel, Silver eel Anguilla rostrata

Size
9 in TL min

Bag
25 per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

Limit set under FWC freshwater/ASMFC rules; FWC's saltwater unregulated page also lists eels — rules conflict, using the stricter.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 combined with hickory shad and blueback herring (for now)

Season
Open all year · catch-and-release rule coming

Check

FWC approved a catch-and-release-only rule for American shad in Aug 2026; it was published as proposed on Sep 16 and isn't in force yet. Until then: 10 per person combined with hickory shad and blueback herring, hook and line only.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
27" curved FL min; keepable slot 27–<73"

Bag
2 per vessel per day through Dec 31, 2026 (only 1 of 47–<73") · 1 per vessel per day from Jan 1, 2027 (NOAA's default unless it announces a change)

Season
Open under in-season limits

Open

HMS Angling permit required. Retention limits are adjusted in-season by NOAA — verify the current limit before keeping a fish. Trophy (73"+) quotas are set by area (Gulf of Maine, Southern New England, south of 39°18′ N, Gulf of America); all four are closed for 2026 and reopen Jan 1, 2027. In the Gulf of America no bluefin under 73" may be kept.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-10-28
Atlantic Croaker

Hardhead Micropogonias undulatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
100 lb per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gulf state waters including Monroe County.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Atlantic Guitarfish

Pseudobatos lentiginosus

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 fish or 100 lb per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

Not on FWC's prohibited list (sawfish, eagle rays, and sturgeon are) — the default unregulated-species limit applies.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

Circle hooks required with natural bait; shore-based shark permit required.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Atlantic Sturgeon

Acipenser oxyrinchus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

All sturgeon harvest prohibited in Florida.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Atlantic Thread Herring

Threadfin, Greenie Opisthonema oglinum

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 fish or 100 lb per person per day (whichever is more)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Unregulated species in Florida — the FWC default limit applies. In practice 100 lb covers any bait-well; there is no special bait exemption.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Banded Rudderfish

Seriola zonata

Size
14-22 in fork length slot

Bag
5 per person (lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish combined)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Bandtail Puffer

Puffer Sphoeroides spengleri

Size
No size limit

Bag
Banned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lb

Season
Banned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)

Check

Puffers can carry saxitoxin, a dangerous toxin. Harvest is banned in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin county waters. Elsewhere in Florida: FWC's default limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater.
FWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked 2026-10-29
Belted Sandfish

Serranus subligarius

Size
No size limit

Bag
See note

Season
Year-round

Check

Small serranids (hamlets, basslets) fall under Florida's Marine Life rule; check whether belted sandfish is listed before keeping any.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
27 in curved fork length min

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

Federal rule in all Atlantic and Gulf waters; the boat needs an HMS Angling permit. Head off: at least 27 in from the forward edge of the cut to the fork.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS Recreational Compliance Guide 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
Black Drum

Drum Pogonias cromis

Size
14-24 in slot

Bag
5 per person (one may be over 24 in)

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Black Durgon

Black triggerfish Melichthys niger

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species). Triggerfish are counted under the Marine Life aggregate.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Black Grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

Size
24 in TL min

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Black Sea Bass

Sea bass Centropristis striata

Size
10 in TL min

Bag
100 lb per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blackfin Snapper

Lutjanus buccanella

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blackfin Tuna

Thunnus atlanticus

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 per person or 10 per vessel, whichever is greater

Season
Open year-round

Open

No HMS permit required.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blacknose Shark

Carcharhinus acronotus

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blue Angelfish

Blue angel Holacanthus bermudensis

Size
1¾–8" slot (Holacanthus angelfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Blue Marlin

Makaira nigricans

Size
99 in lower jaw fork length min

Bag
1 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Landings must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours; HMS permit required in federal waters.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blue Parrotfish

Blue parrot Scarus coeruleus

Size
12" max (parrotfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Blue Shark

Blue dog Prionace glauca

Size
54 in fork length min

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blue Tang

Blue surgeonfish Acanthurus coeruleus

Size
9" FL max (tangs and surgeonfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Blue Tilapia

Tilapia Oreochromis aureus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Nonnative — no bag limit listed

Season
Year-round

Check

Freshwater species — FWC freshwater rules apply (a saltwater license doesn't cover it). No bag or size limit is listed for nonnative fish; check FWC.
FWC freshwater 2026 (eRegulations) · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Blueback Herring

River herring Alosa aestivalis

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person (shad and blueback herring combined)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Hook and line only.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Bluefish

Chopper, Snapper blue Pomatomus saltatrix

Size
12 in fork length min

Bag
10 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gulf rule includes Monroe County.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Blueline Tilefish

Caulolatilus microps

Federal rule (Gulf federal waters). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
Within 20-reef-fish aggregate (20 per person per day)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for reef fish in federal waters (DESCEND Act); Non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait; Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Bluntnose Sixgill Shark

Sixgill shark, Cow shark Hexanchus griseus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (bluntnose sixgill) — release in the water with minimal injury.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Bonefish

Gray ghost Albula vulpes

Size
Catch-and-release only

Bag
No harvest

Season
Catch-and-release year-round

Put it back

Catch-and-release only fishery since 2013.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Bonnethead

Sphyrna tiburo

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Size
54 in fork length min

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Butterfly Peacock Bass

Peacock bass, Butterfly peacock Cichla ocellaris

Size
Only one 17" or longer

Bag
2 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

Freshwater species — FWC freshwater rules apply (a saltwater license doesn't cover it).
FWC freshwater 2026 (eRegulations) · checked 2026-10-29
Caribbean Reef Shark

Carcharhinus perezii

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Checkered Puffer

Puffer, Blowfish Sphoeroides testudineus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Banned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lb

Season
Banned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)

Check

Puffers can carry saxitoxin, a dangerous toxin. Harvest is banned in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin county waters. Elsewhere in Florida: FWC's default limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater.
FWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked 2026-10-29
Cobia

Ling, Lemonfish Rachycentron canadum

Size
36 in fork length min

Bag
1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Common Snook

Centropomus undecimalis

Size
28–33 in slot

Bag
1 per person

Season
Closed Dec 1–end of Feb and May 1–Aug 31 · Venice to the Keys: to Sep 30

Check

Charlotte Harbor and Southwest regions (Venice south through the Keys, including Everglades National Park) stay closed through Sep 30. Snook permit required.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Common Thresher

Thresher, Whiptail Alopias vulpinus

Size
54 in fork length min

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Coney

Cephalopholis fulva

Size
No size limit

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Cownose Ray

Rhinoptera bonasus

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 fish or 100 lb per person (state default)

Season
Open year-round

Open

New FWC cownose ray regulations were approved Aug 2026 and are pending — verify current rule.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Creole Wrasse

Clepticus parrae

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Cubera Snapper

Lutjanus cyanopterus

Size
12 in TL min

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Cubera over 30 in: max 2 per person or vessel, excluded from the aggregate.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Doctorfish

Doctor fish Acanthurus chirurgus

Size
9" FL max (tangs and surgeonfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Dog Snapper

Dogtooth snapper Lutjanus jocu

Size
12 in TL min

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Dusky Shark

Carcharhinus obscurus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list; release without delay, gills submerged.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Finetooth Shark

Carcharhinus isodon

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Florida Pompano

Trachinotus carolinus

Size
11 in fork length min

Bag
6 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
French Angelfish

Frenchie Pomacanthus paru

Size
1½–8" slot (Pomacanthus angelfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Gag Grouper

Gray grouper Mycteroperca microlepis

Size
24 in TL min

Bag
2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
2026 Gulf season: Sep 1-30

Closed

For-hire captain and crew may not retain. Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Galapagos Shark

Carcharhinus galapagensis

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (Galapagos) — release in the water with minimal injury.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Golden Tilefish

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

Federal rule (Gulf federal waters). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
Within 20-reef-fish aggregate (20 per person per day)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool on board, rigged and ready, when fishing for reef fish in federal waters (DESCEND Act); Non-stainless steel circle hooks required with natural bait; Dehooking device on board and used to remove hooks.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
Goldentail Moray

Gymnothorax miliaris

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus itajara

Size
No harvest without permit

Bag
No harvest (200-tag lottery permit program only)

Season
Closed except permit season Mar 1-May 31

Put it back

Lottery permit holders: 1 fish, 24-36 in slot, Mar 1-May 31; Atlantic Keys/Martin County and federal waters excluded.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Gray Angelfish

Black angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus

Size
1½–8" slot (Pomacanthus angelfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Gray Triggerfish

Trigger Balistes capriscus

Size
15 in fork length min

Bag
1 per person

Season
Open Mar 1-May 31 and Aug 1-Dec 31

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Graysby

Cephalopholis cruentata

Size
No size limit

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Great Barracuda

Sphyraena barracuda

Size
15–36 in fork length slot (1 over 36 in per day)

Bag
2 per person; 6 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

South Florida (all state and federal waters off Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin): 15–36 in fork length, 2 per person, 6 per boat; only one over 36 in per day, per person or per boat, whichever is less. North of the Collier–Lee line (26°19.823' N) and the Martin–St. Lucie line (27°15.781' N): no size limit, 2 fish or 100 lb. Biscayne National Park: counts toward the park's 10-fish total.
FWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-60.003, 68B-60.004 · checked 2026-10-29
Great Hammerhead

Sphyrna mokarran

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Great White Shark

White shark Carcharodon carcharias

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Greater Amberjack

AJ, Reef donkey Seriola dumerili

Size
34 in fork length min

Bag
1 per person

Season
2026 Gulf season: Sep 1-Oct 13

Closed

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Green Moray

Gymnothorax funebris

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Gulf Flounder

Paralichthys albigutta

Size
14 in TL min

Bag
5 per person (all flounder species combined)

Season
Closed Oct 15-Nov 30

Closed

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Gulf Toadfish

Mudfish Opsanus beta

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per day, landed alive (marine-life rules)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Toadfish are on Florida's marine-life list — must be kept alive; not a food-harvest species.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Hickory Shad

Alosa mediocris

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person (shad and blueback herring combined)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Hook and line only.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
High-Hat

High-hat Pareques acuminatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Hogfish

Hog snapper Lachnolaimus maximus

Size
14 in fork length min

Bag
5 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gulf zone = state waters north of Cape Sable.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Jackknife-Fish

Jackknife-fish Equetus lanceolatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
King Mackerel

King, Kingfish, Smoker Scomberomorus cavalla

Size
24 in fork length min

Bag
3 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gulf rule includes Monroe County.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Lane Snapper

Lutjanus synagris

Size
10 in TL min

Bag
20 per person (not in snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

New Gulf rule effective Apr 1, 2026.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Lesser Amberjack

Seriola fasciata

Size
14-22 in fork length slot

Bag
5 per person (lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish combined)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Mahi-Mahi

Dolphin, Dorado Coryphaena hippurus

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person or 60 per vessel, whichever is less

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Mahogany Snapper

Ojanco Lutjanus mahogoni

Size
12 in TL min

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Mangrove Snapper

Gray snapper, Mango Lutjanus griseus

Size
10 in TL min

Bag
5 per person within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Marbled Grouper

Sicklefish grouper Dermatolepis inermis

Size
No size limit

Bag
See note

Season
Year-round

Check

Not named in the snapper-grouper rules we track; grouper aggregate rules may apply. Check before keeping one — a rare, slow-growing species.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Mayan Cichlid

Atomic sunfish Mayaheros urophthalmus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Nonnative — no bag limit listed

Season
Year-round

Check

Freshwater species — FWC freshwater rules apply (a saltwater license doesn't cover it). No bag or size limit is listed for nonnative fish; check FWC.
FWC freshwater 2026 (eRegulations) · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Midnight Parrotfish

Midnight parrot Scarus coelestinus

Size
12" max (parrotfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Mutton Snapper

Lutjanus analis

Size
18 in TL min

Bag
5 per person within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Nassau Grouper

Epinephelus striatus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Northern Puffer

Sphoeroides maculatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Banned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lb

Season
Banned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)

Check

Puffers can carry saxitoxin, a dangerous toxin. Harvest is banned in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin county waters. Elsewhere in Florida: FWC's default limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater.
FWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked 2026-10-29
Nurse Shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

Size
54 in fork length min

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Ocean Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish Acanthurus tractus

Size
9" FL max (tangs and surgeonfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (oceanic whitetip) — release in the water with minimal injury. Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Orange Filefish

Aluterus schoepfii

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Marine life (aquarium) species: must be landed and kept alive.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Oyster Toadfish

Opsanus tau

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Toadfish are on FWC's marine life list; must be landed and kept alive.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Palometa

Longfin pompano Trachinotus goodei

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 fish or 100 lb per day

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida's pompano/permit rule covers Florida pompano, permit, and African pompano — palometa isn't included.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Permit

Trachinotus falcatus

Size
11–22 in slot · Keys zone: 22 in min

Bag
2 per person · Keys zone: 1

Season
Open all year · Keys zone: closed Apr 1–Jul 31

Check

Special Permit Zone (the Keys, Florida Bay, and Biscayne Bay south of the Rickenbacker Causeway): 22 in minimum, 1 per person, 2 per boat, closed Apr 1–Jul 31. Everywhere else: 11–22 in slot, 2 per person; one fish over 22 in allowed per person (2 per boat).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Planehead Filefish

Foolfish Stephanolepis hispida

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Marine life (aquarium) species: must be landed and kept alive.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Porbeagle

Lamna nasus

Size
54 in fork length min

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Porcupinefish

Spiny puffer Diodon hystrix

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Marine life (aquarium) species: must be landed and kept alive.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Porkfish

Anisotremus virginicus

Size
1.5 in min

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Marine life (aquarium) species: must be landed and kept alive; sale prohibited.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Puddingwife

Halichoeres radiatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Purplemouth Moray

Gymnothorax vicinus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Queen Angelfish

Queen angel Holacanthus ciliaris

Size
1¾–8" slot (Holacanthus angelfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Queen Snapper

Etelis oculatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Queen Triggerfish

Old wife Balistes vetula

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC triggerfish page treats queen triggerfish as a marine life species that must be landed alive; food-harvest treatment unverified.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Rainbow Parrotfish

Rainbow parrot Scarus guacamaia

Size
12" max (parrotfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Red Drum

Redfish, Puppy drum, Channel bass, Spottail bass Sciaenops ocellatus

Size
18-27 in slot

Bag
1 per person; vessel limit 2 (Tampa Bay through Southeast) or 4 (Panhandle, Big Bend, Northeast)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Boat limit 4 in the Panhandle and Big Bend, 2 from Tampa Bay south.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Red Grouper

Epinephelus morio

Size
20 in TL min

Bag
2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Red Hind

Epinephelus guttatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Red Lionfish

Lionfish Pterois volitans

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

Invasive; removal encouraged, excluded from default limits; no license needed with certain gear.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Red Snapper

Genuine red, American red Lutjanus campechanus

Size
16 in TL min

Bag
2 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
2026: May 22 – Jul 31; Sep 1 – Oct 4; daily Oct 9–22; Fri–Sun Oct 23–25 and Oct 30 – Nov 1; Sat–Sun Nov 7–8, 14–15, 21–22; Nov 26–29; Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20; Dec 25–27; Jan 1–4, 2027

Closed

Florida sets this season for state AND federal waters off its Gulf coast; State Reef Fish Angler registration required. Weekend dates and holiday windows through Jan 4, 2027 (FWC, checked Sep 21). Federally permitted charter and head boats don't get these days; they follow the federal for-hire season, Jun 1 – Oct 25. Charters without a federal permit may fish these days in Florida state waters only.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Redtail Parrotfish

Sparisoma chrysopterum

Size
12" max (parrotfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Rock Beauty

Rock beauty angelfish Holacanthus tricolor

Size
2–5" slot (rock beauty)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Rock Hind

Epinephelus adscensionis

Size
No size limit

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Size
63 in lower jaw fork length min

Bag
1 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Landings must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Sand Seatrout

White trout, Sand trout Cynoscion arenarius

Size
No size limit

Bag
100 lb per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Nassau County weakfish zone (St. Marys River, Nassau inland waters east of US 17 north of SR 200/A1A and the Shave Bridge, and state waters off Amelia Island): 12 in TL minimum, 1 per person, sand seatrout and hybrids included. Elsewhere in Florida it is counted as sand seatrout.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Sand Tiger

Carcharias taurus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Sandbar Shark

Carcharhinus plumbeus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Scalloped Hammerhead

Sphyrna lewini

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Scamp Grouper

Broomtail Mycteroperca phenax

Size
16 in TL min

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Schoolmaster Snapper

Lutjanus apodus

Size
10 in TL min

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Scrawled Filefish

Aluterus scriptus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Marine life (aquarium) species: must be landed and kept alive.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Sheepshead

Convict fish Archosargus probatocephalus

Size
12 in TL min

Bag
8 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

50-fish vessel limit per trip during March and April.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Shortfin Mako

Isurus oxyrinchus

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Silk Snapper

Lutjanus vivanus

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Silky Shark

Ridgeback shark Carcharhinus falciformis

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Skipjack Tuna

Skippy, Oceanic bonito Katsuwonus pelamis

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

The boat needs an HMS Angling permit to fish for Atlantic tunas.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
Slippery Dick

Halichoeres bivittatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Smalltooth Sawfish

Pristis pectinata

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Endangered; state and federal harvest prohibition — release immediately.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Smooth Dogfish

Mustelus canis

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Smooth Hammerhead

Sphyrna zygaena

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Smooth Puffer

Rabbitfish, Blowfish Lagocephalus laevigatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater

Season
Open year-round

Open

Listed because the puffer ban in Volusia–Martin counties does not cover it: that rule names genus Sphoeroides, and the smooth puffer is Lagocephalus. FWC's default limit applies statewide. Puffers can be toxic to eat.
FWC 2026 (default limits; 68B-3.007 names Sphoeroides only) · checked 2026-10-29
Smooth Trunkfish

Trunkfish Lactophrys triqueter

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Snowy Grouper

Hyporthodus niveatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Southern Flounder

Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

Size
14 in TL min

Bag
5 per person (all flounder species combined)

Season
Closed Oct 15-Nov 30

Closed

Applies to Gulf, southern, summer and fringed flounder statewide.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Southern Puffer

Sphoeroides nephelus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Banned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lb

Season
Banned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)

Check

Puffers can carry saxitoxin, a dangerous toxin. Harvest is banned in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin county waters. Elsewhere in Florida: FWC's default limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater.
FWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked 2026-10-29
Spanish Hogfish

Spanish hog Bodianus rufus

Size
2–8" slot (Spanish hogfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Scomberomorus maculatus

Size
12 in fork length min

Bag
15 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Speckled Hind

Hyporthodus drummondhayi

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 per vessel within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Spinner Shark

Carcharhinus brevipinna

Size
54 in fork length min

Bag
1 shark per person per day; max 2 per vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Size
No size limit

Bag
100 lb per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gulf state waters including Monroe County.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Spotted Drum

Equetus punctatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Spotted Eagle Ray

Aetobatus narinari

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited species (68B-44).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Spotted Goatfish

Goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Spotted Moray

Gymnothorax moringa

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Spotted Seatrout

Speck, Spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus

Size
15-19 in TL slot

Bag
3 per person (Big Bend region: 5)

Season
Open year-round (Panhandle region closed February)

Open

One fish over 19 in allowed per vessel (or per shore angler); captain/crew excluded.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Squirrelfish

Holocentrus adscensionis

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine-life aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Treated as a marine life (aquarium) species under the Other Marine Life category — confirm listing.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Stoplight Parrotfish

Stoplight parrot Sparisoma viride

Size
12" max (parrotfish)

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Striped Bass

Striper, Rockfish Morone saxatilis

Size
Depends on where

Bag
20 combined · north and west of the Suwannee: 3 striped

Season
Open all year

Check

Suwannee River and everything north and west of it: 18 in minimum, 3 striped bass (20 combined with white and sunshine bass). Exception: the lower Ochlockonee River (Jackson Bluff dam to Ochlockonee Bay): 3 striped bass, only one 24 in or longer, no minimum length (20 combined). St. Marys River: 22 in minimum, 2 combined. Perdido River: 15 combined, only 5 over 22 in. Elsewhere: no minimum, 20 combined, only 6 over 24 in.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Striped Mullet

Mugil cephalus

Size
No size limit

Bag
50 per person (all mullet species combined)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Vessel limit 50 Sep 1–Jan 31, 100 Feb 1–Aug 31. NE St. Petersburg bayous (Coffee Pot, Smacks/Placido, Snell Isle, Riviera Bay, Bayou Grande and the Tampa Bay shore between them): 5 per day and 5 per boat, Oct 1–Jan 31. Charlotte County has its own local rules.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Summer Flounder

Fluke Paralichthys dentatus

Size
14 in TL min

Bag
5 per person (all flounder species combined)

Season
Closed Oct 15-Nov 30

Closed

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Size
47 in lower jaw fork length min

Bag
1 per person; max 4 per private vessel

Season
Open year-round

Open

HMS permit required in federal waters; report landings to NOAA within 24 hours.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Tarpon

Silver king Megalops atlanticus

Size
Catch-and-release only

Bag
Catch and release (one tarpon tag per person per year, for pursuing a record only)

Season
Catch-and-release year-round

Put it back

Tarpon over 40 in must remain in the water; hook and line only.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Tiger Grouper

Mycteroperca tigris

Size
No size limit

Bag
Within grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf)

Season
Open year-round

Open

All groupers count toward Florida's aggregate; State Reef Fish Angler designation required from private boats.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

Size
No harvest

Bag
No harvest

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

FWC prohibited shark list.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Tripletail

Lobotes surinamensis

Size
18 in TL min

Bag
2 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Hook and line only.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Unicorn Filefish

Unicorn leatherjacket Aluterus monoceros

Size
No size limit

Bag
5 per species within 20-organism marine life aggregate

Season
Year-round

Open

Marine Life rule: hand-held nets, drop nets, barrier nets, and slurp guns only; 2-day possession limit of 40 (10 per species).
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29 · likely
Vermilion Snapper

Beeliner, B-liner Rhomboplites aurorubens

Size
10 in TL min

Bag
10 per person (not in snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Wahoo

Ono Acanthocybium solandri

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Warsaw Grouper

Hyporthodus nigritus

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 per vessel within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Weakfish

Gray trout, Squeteague Cynoscion regalis

Size
No size limit

Bag
100 lb per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Nassau County weakfish zone (St. Marys River, Nassau inland waters east of US 17 north of SR 200/A1A and the Shave Bridge, and state waters off Amelia Island): 12 in TL minimum, 1 per person, sand seatrout and hybrids included. Elsewhere in Florida it is counted as sand seatrout.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
White Marlin

Kajikia albida

Size
66 in lower jaw fork length min

Bag
1 per person

Season
Open year-round

Open

Landings must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
White Mullet

Mugil curema

Size
No size limit

Bag
50 per person (all mullet species combined)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Vessel limit 50 Sep 1-Jan 31, 100 Feb 1-Aug 31.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Yellowedge Grouper

Hyporthodus flavolimbatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Yellowfin Grouper

Fireback, Princess rockfish Mycteroperca venenosa

Size
20 in TL min

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Yellowfin Tuna

Ahi Thunnus albacares

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Florida (Gulf) lists none of its own.

Size
27 in curved fork length min

Bag
3 per person per day; no more than 3 per person on board regardless of trip length

Season
Open year-round

Open

Federal rule in all Atlantic and Gulf waters; the boat needs an HMS Angling permit. Head off: at least 27 in from the forward edge of the cut to the fork.
Gear: HMS Angling permit required for the vessel in federal waters; Bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
NOAA HMS Recreational Compliance Guide 2025 · checked 2026-10-28
Yellowmouth Grouper

Mycteroperca interstitialis

Size
20 in TL min

Bag
Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Florida Bay and the rest of Monroe County follow the Atlantic grouper rules.
Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Yellowtail Snapper

Ocyurus chrysurus

Size
12 in TL min

Bag
10 per person (within 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Gear: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for reef fish in Florida state waters; Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks with natural bait (non-offset required north of 28° N on the Atlantic side); Dehooking device on board; Free State Reef Fish Angler designation required to fish for reef fish from a private boat, renewed yearly.
FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29

Every other species

Florida default for unregulated saltwater species (e.g. ladyfish, crevalle jack, pinfish, white grunt, cero mackerel, bonito/little tunny, spadefish, sea catfishes, menhaden, most rays and stingrays).

Size: No size limit
Bag: 2 fish or 100 lb per person per day, whichever is greater
Season: Open year-round

FWC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29

Report to NOAA within 24 hours

HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

Species: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish.

How to report · NOAA HMS · checked 2026-09-04

Licences and the fine print

A saltwater fishing license is required for Florida residents 16–64 and all non-residents 16 and older. Residents 65 and over and children under 16 are exempt; anyone fishing from a licensed charter, party boat or licensed pier is covered by that vessel's or pier's license.
Florida residents fishing from shore or a structure fixed to shore need the free shoreline saltwater license unless they hold a regular saltwater license or another exemption.
The free State Reef Fish Angler designation is required for anglers 16 and older harvesting reef fish (snappers, groupers, amberjacks, triggerfish and others) from a private boat — including anglers 65+ who are otherwise license-exempt. It renews annually.
Snook and spiny lobster each need their own permit on top of the saltwater license.

Get a Florida license

Nearby waters: Florida (Atlantic) · Alabama · all 19 rulebooks

Questions anglers ask about Florida (Gulf)

Do I need a license to fish saltwater in Florida?

A saltwater fishing license is required for Florida residents 16–64 and all non-residents 16 and older. Residents 65 and over and children under 16 are exempt; anyone fishing from a licensed charter, party boat or licensed pier is covered by that vessel's or pier's license.

How far out do Florida (Gulf) state waters go?

9 nautical miles from shore. Inside that line the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the rules on this page. Beyond it, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council sets the federal rules, and where Florida (Gulf) has no rule of its own this page shows the federal one, labelled.

What if a fish is not listed for Florida?

Florida sets no specific rule for it. Size: No size limit. Bag: 2 fish or 100 lb per person per day, whichever is greater. Season: Open year-round. Florida default for unregulated saltwater species (e.g. ladyfish, crevalle jack, pinfish, white grunt, cero mackerel, bonito/little tunny, spadefish, sea catfishes, menhaden, most rays and stingrays).

Which federal catches must be reported to NOAA?

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish. HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

How current are these Florida (Gulf) rules?

Every row shows its source and the day it was last checked; the latest is Oct 29, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency pages nightly and the date advances when they are unchanged. Rules change mid-season by proclamation, so the official rulebook is the final word.

Checked against 44 official pages

Florida (Gulf) saltwater rules

Florida (Gulf)
saltwater rules