Great barracudain Florida (Gulf)
Sphyraena barracuda
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for great barracuda in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
Slot and vessel limits apply Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin (1 over 36 in allowed per person/vessel); default limits elsewhere.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great barracudaThis page. | 15-36 in FL slot in Collier-Martin counties; no size limit elsewhere | 2 per person; 6 per vessel (regulated counties) | Open year-round |
| King mackerelNo blotches, dipping lateral line.Tell them apart | 24 in fork length min | 3 per person | Open year-round |
Florida (Gulf) state record
67 lb, Islamorada, 1949. FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Underslung jaw of visible teeth, scattered ink-black blotches on silver. More on the great barracuda page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Great barracuda in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a great barracuda in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGreat barracuda in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for great barracuda in Florida (Gulf)?
15-36 in FL slot in Collier-Martin counties; no size limit elsewhere. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many great barracuda can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
2 per person; 6 per vessel (regulated counties).
When is great barracuda season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
What is the Florida (Gulf) record great barracuda?
67 lb, Islamorada (1949).
How current is this Florida (Gulf) great barracuda 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.