Sailfishin Florida (Gulf)
Istiophorus platypterus
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for sailfish in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
Landings must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
Counts toward an aggregate limit: Billfish.
FWC 2026· checked Open
Florida (Gulf) state record
126 lb, Big Pine Key, 2009. FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
The sail says it all; lights up neon when hot. More on the sailfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Sailfish in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a sailfish in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appSailfish in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for sailfish in Florida (Gulf)?
63 in lower jaw fork length min.
How many sailfish can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
1 per person. It counts toward an aggregate: Billfish.
When is sailfish season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
What is the Florida (Gulf) record sailfish?
126 lb, Big Pine Key (2009).
How current is this Florida (Gulf) sailfish 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.