Tiger grouperin Florida (Gulf)
Mycteroperca tigris
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for tiger grouper in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
All groupers count toward Florida's aggregate; State Reef Fish Angler designation required from private boats.
FWC 2026· checked · likelyOpen
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger grouperThis page. | No size limit | Within grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf) | Open year-round |
| Black grouperRectangular blotches, brassy spots.Tell them apart | 24 in TL min | Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate | Open year-round |
| Gag grouperGray marble, no oblique bars.Tell them apart | 24 in TL min | 2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate | 2026 Gulf season: Sep 1-30 |
| Yellowfin grouperYellow outer pectoral third.Tell them apart | 20 in TL min | Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate | Open year-round |
How to tell it
Slim reef grouper with oblique tiger bars sweeping down and back along the body. More on the tiger grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Tiger grouper in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a tiger grouper in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appTiger grouper in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for tiger grouper in Florida (Gulf)?
No size limit.
How many tiger grouper can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
Within grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf).
When is tiger grouper season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
How current is this Florida (Gulf) tiger grouper 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.