Cero mackerelin Florida (Gulf)
Scomberomorus regalis
Also called Painted mackerel.
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for cero mackerel in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
Unregulated in Florida — the default limit applies.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cero mackerelThis page. | No size limit | 2 fish or 100 lb per day | Open year-round |
| Spanish mackerelSpots only — no stripe.Tell them apart | 12 in fork length min | 15 per person | Open year-round |
| King mackerelLateral line takes a sharp drop; no gold markings when grown.Tell them apart | 24 in fork length min | 3 per person | Open year-round |
Florida (Gulf) state record
17.13 lb, Islamorada, 1986. FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Spanish-mackerel twin with a bronze mid-body STRIPE plus spots above and below it; lateral line slopes gently. More on the cero mackerel page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Cero mackerel in other states
In the app
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Get the appCero mackerel in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for cero mackerel in Florida (Gulf)?
No size limit.
How many cero mackerel can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
2 fish or 100 lb per day.
When is cero mackerel season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
What is the Florida (Gulf) record cero mackerel?
17.13 lb, Islamorada (1986).
How current is this Florida (Gulf) cero mackerel 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.