Florida Fishing Regulations
Size limits, bag limits, and open seasons for popular saltwater species. Always verify with FWC before your trip.
Important: Regulations change frequently. This page is for reference only. Always verify current rules at MyFWC.com
Tarpon
View species guide →Bag Limit
Catch and release only (1 harvest tag available for record pursuit)
Size Limit
No minimum size. Fish over 40 inches must remain in water unless using harvest tag
Season
Year-round
Harvest requires $51.50 tarpon tag from FWC, limited to one per person per year for state/world record pursuit only. Hook and line only, no multiple hooks with natural bait.
Redfish (Red Drum)
View species guide →Bag Limit
1 per person in most regions (vessel limits vary by region: 2-4 fish max)
Size Limit
18-27 inches total length (slot limit)
Season
Year-round (Indian River Lagoon is catch-and-release only)
Florida has 9 management regions with specific vessel limits. No harvest in federal waters. Gigging and spearing prohibited.
Snook
View species guide →Bag Limit
1 per person per day
Size Limit
28-32 inches (Atlantic regions) or 28-33 inches (Gulf regions) total length
Season
Varies by region. Gulf: open March 1-April 30, Sept 1-Nov 30. Atlantic: closed Dec 15-Jan 31, June 1-Aug 31
Requires $10 annual snook permit in addition to fishing license. Florida has 9 snook management regions with different seasons. Check FWC for specific region details.
Gag Grouper
View species guide →Bag Limit
2 per person (within 4 grouper aggregate limit); 2 per vessel
Size Limit
24 inches total length minimum
Season
Atlantic: May 1-Dec 31 (closed Jan 1-April 30). Gulf: varies by region, check FWC
Must sign up as State Reef Fish Angler to fish from private vessel in state or federal waters. Season dates may vary, verify current regulations at MyFWC.com.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)
View species guide →Bag Limit
Atlantic: 5 per person, 30 per vessel. Gulf: 10 per person, 60 per vessel (whichever is less)
Size Limit
Atlantic: 20 inches fork length minimum. Gulf: no minimum size
Season
Year-round
Captain and crew bag limits prohibited statewide. Atlantic limits reduced in 2023 for conservation.
Red Snapper
View species guide →Bag Limit
Gulf: within 10 snapper aggregate. Atlantic: 1 per person per day
Size Limit
Gulf: 16 inches total length. Atlantic: 20 inches total length (state waters)
Season
Gulf: Limited days May-November (check FWC for exact dates). Atlantic: Year-round in state waters
Gulf season consists of specific weekend days throughout summer/fall. FWC managing Atlantic red snapper by 2026. Always verify current season dates at MyFWC.com.