Blackfin tunain Florida (Gulf)
Thunnus atlanticus
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for blackfin tuna in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
No HMS permit required.
FWC 2026· checked Open
Often mistaken for, and their Florida (Gulf) rules
Keep the wrong fish and the rule that applies is the other one’s.
| Fish | Size | Bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackfin tunaThis page. | No size limit | 2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater | Open year-round |
| Yellowfin tunaBright yellow fins, grows far larger.Tell them apart | Not listed by Florida (Gulf): the default applies (No size limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per person per day, whichever is greater) | ||
Florida (Gulf) state record
45.5 lb, Key West, 1996. FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Football tuna with dusky-black fins and a bronze-gold side wash; rarely over 30 lb. More on the blackfin tuna page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Blackfin tuna in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a blackfin tuna in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appBlackfin tuna in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for blackfin tuna in Florida (Gulf)?
No size limit.
How many blackfin tuna can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater.
When is blackfin tuna season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
What is the Florida (Gulf) record blackfin tuna?
45.5 lb, Key West (1996).
How current is this Florida (Gulf) blackfin tuna 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.