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Fishing regulations at Gulf of America, FL
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Red grouper
Bag limit2
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size20" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Aggregate limit4
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Special gear
GOM Reef Fish
Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks.
Restrictions & requirements
Zero Bag for Captain
Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Required licenses
Additional information
Bag limit for captain and crew on vessels operating as a charter or headboat is zero.
Closed Feb. 1 thru Mar. 31 when fishing beyond the 20-fathom break.
Location Specific Information
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use
Get the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/
Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
Edibility
Synonyms
Northern red snapper
Bag limit2
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size16" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Special gear
Circle Hooks
The use of a dehooking device is required when fishing for reef fish. All persons aboard a vessel harvesting reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico must possess and use non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when using natural baits.
Restrictions & requirements
Zero Bag for Captain
Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Required licenses
Additional information
Private Anglers and State Licensed For-Hire Vessels: Each Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) state will set the private angling season for state and federal waters. The Florida private recreational regulations apply in state and federal waters off the state of Florida. State Licensed For-Hire Vessels may only fish in FL State Waters (out to 9 nm).
Federal For-Hire Vessels: The federal for-hire season opens June 1, 2026 - 12:01 a.m., local time, October 26, 2026. Anglers fishing from federally-permitted for-hire vessels in federal waters may retain 2 fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size limit. Bag limit for captain and crew on vessels operating as a charter or headboat is zero.
For more information about Florida's Red Snapper seasons, see MyFWC Snapper.
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
For more information about Red Snapper regulations in Federal Waters of the Gulf, see Gulf Council. Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
Edibility
Synonyms
Gag grouper
Bag limit2
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size24" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Aggregate limit4
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Special gear
GOM Reef Fish
Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks.
Restrictions & requirements
Zero Bag for Captain
Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Required licenses
Additional information
Bag limit for captain and crew on vessels operating as a charter or headboat is zero.
All shallow water groupers closed Feb. 1 thru Mar. 31 when fishing beyond the 20-fathom break.
Location Specific Information
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use
Get the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/
Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
Edibility
Synonyms
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