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Rules by state · Florida (Gulf)

Golden tilefishin Florida (Gulf)

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

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

Studio photograph of a Golden Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps), side view, on a white background

The rule in Florida (Gulf)

Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for golden tilefish in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.

SizeNo size limit
Bag2 fish or 100 lb per person, whichever is greater
SeasonOpen year-round

FWC 2026· checked Open

Beyond 9 miles: federal waters

A different rule past the 9-mile line, written by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Where the two differ, the water you are in decides.

SizeNo size limit
BagWithin 20-reef-fish aggregate (20 per person per day)
SeasonOpen year-round

NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20

How to tell it

Blue-gold flanks with yellow spots and the odd head crest. More on the golden tilefish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.

Golden tilefish in other states

Florida (Atlantic)North CarolinaEvery state

In the app

Point the camera at a golden tilefish in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.

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Golden tilefish in Florida (Gulf): the questions

What is the size limit for golden tilefish in Florida (Gulf)?

No size limit.

How many golden tilefish can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?

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

When is golden tilefish season in Florida (Gulf)?

Open year-round.

How current is this Florida (Gulf) golden tilefish 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.