Atlantic bluefin tunain Florida (Gulf)
Thunnus thynnus
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). Florida (Gulf) lists no rule of its own for Atlantic bluefin tuna, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
HMS Angling permit required. Retention limits are adjusted in-season by NOAA — verify the current limit before keeping a fish.
Measured as curved fork length (CFL): snout to the fork of the tail, measured along the curve of the body.
NOAA HMS 2026· checked Open
Florida (Gulf) state record
826.5 lb, Gulf of Mexico, 2017. FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Massive girth, short pectoral fins that don't reach the second dorsal. More on the Atlantic bluefin tuna page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic bluefin tuna in other states
In the app
Point the camera at an Atlantic bluefin tuna in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appAtlantic bluefin tuna in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for Atlantic bluefin tuna in Florida (Gulf)?
27" curved FL min; keepable slot 27–<73". Measured as curved fork length: snout to the fork of the tail, measured along the curve of the body.
How many Atlantic bluefin tuna can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
Private vessels: 2 per vessel per day (only 1 of 47–<73"); trophy 73"+ closed for 2026.
When is Atlantic bluefin tuna season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open under in-season limits.
What is the Florida (Gulf) record Atlantic bluefin tuna?
826.5 lb, Gulf of Mexico (2017).
How current is this Florida (Gulf) Atlantic bluefin tuna rule?
Source: NOAA HMS 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.