Red lionfishin Florida (Gulf)
Pterois volitans
Also called Lionfish.
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for red lionfish in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
SizeNo size limit
BagNo bag limit
SeasonOpen year-round
Invasive; removal encouraged, excluded from default limits; no license needed with certain gear.
FWC 2026· checked Open
How to tell it
Zebra-striped maroon and white, fan-like venomous spines everywhere. More on the red lionfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Red lionfish in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a red lionfish in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appRed lionfish in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for red lionfish in Florida (Gulf)?
No size limit.
How many red lionfish can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
No bag limit.
When is red lionfish season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
How current is this Florida (Gulf) red lionfish 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.