Fishing Regulations in Florida
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Florida fish and game agency for current regulations.
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Florida requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Separate freshwater and saltwater licenses are available, or a combined license covers both. Non-resident options include annual, 7-day, and 3-day licenses. A free shoreline fishing license is available for Florida residents fishing from shore or a structure fixed to shore.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum (varies by region) | Year-round | Florida is the top fishing destination in the U.S. Regulations are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Always check the current FWC regulations, as rules vary by region and are subject to change. |
| redfish | 1 per day | 18-27 inches slot limit | Year-round | |
| speckled-trout | 5 per day (varies by region) | 15 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| snook | 1 per day | 28-33 inches slot limit (Atlantic); 28-33 inches slot limit (Gulf) | September 1 through December 14 (Atlantic); March 1 through April 30 (Gulf) - varies | Snook require a separate Snook Permit in addition to a saltwater license. |
| tarpon | Catch and release only (1 per day with kill tag) | 75 inches minimum (if harvesting) | Year-round | A Tarpon Tag ($51.50) is required if you intend to harvest a tarpon. |
| grouper | 2 per day (varies by species) | 20 inches minimum (varies by species) | Open seasons vary by species (gag grouper, red grouper, etc.) | |
| red-snapper | 2 per day | 16 inches minimum | Limited season (typically a few weekends in summer for Gulf federal waters) | |
| mahi-mahi | 10 per day | 20 inches fork length minimum | Year-round | |
| king-mackerel | 2 per day | 24 inches fork length minimum | Year-round | |
| flounder | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| sheepshead | 8 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum (varies by region)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Florida is the top fishing destination in the U.S. Regulations are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Always check the current FWC regulations, as rules vary by region and are subject to change.
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 18-27 inches slot limit
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day (varies by region)
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28-33 inches slot limit (Atlantic); 28-33 inches slot limit (Gulf)
Season: September 1 through December 14 (Atlantic); March 1 through April 30 (Gulf) - varies
Notes: Snook require a separate Snook Permit in addition to a saltwater license.
Bag Limit: Catch and release only (1 per day with kill tag)
Size Limit: 75 inches minimum (if harvesting)
Season: Year-round
Notes: A Tarpon Tag ($51.50) is required if you intend to harvest a tarpon.
Bag Limit: 2 per day (varies by species)
Size Limit: 20 inches minimum (varies by species)
Season: Open seasons vary by species (gag grouper, red grouper, etc.)
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 16 inches minimum
Season: Limited season (typically a few weekends in summer for Gulf federal waters)
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: 20 inches fork length minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches fork length minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 8 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Okeechobee
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, bluegill, crappie, channel-catfish
Stick Marsh
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, bluegill, crappie
St. Johns River
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, redfish
Everglades
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, bluegill, snook, tarpon, redfish
Florida Keys
oceanSpecies: tarpon, snook, mahi-mahi, grouper, red-snapper, king-mackerel
Tampa Bay
baySpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, snook, tarpon, sheepshead, flounder
Indian River Lagoon
baySpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, snook, flounder, sheepshead
Mosquito Lagoon
baySpecies: redfish, speckled-trout, snook, flounder
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 17 lbs 4 oz | 1923 | Big Fish Lake |
| redfish | 52 lbs 5 oz | 1996 | Mosquito Lagoon |
| snook | 44 lbs 3 oz | 1984 | Fort Myers |
| tarpon | 243 lbs | 1975 | Key West |
| mahi-mahi | 81 lbs 9 oz | 1998 | Lantana |
| grouper | 34 lbs 2 oz | 2010 | Destin |
| king-mackerel | 90 lbs | 1976 | Key West |
| speckled-trout | 17 lbs 7 oz | 1995 | Fort Pierce |
| flounder | 20 lbs 9 oz | 1983 | Nassau Sound |
| sheepshead | 15 lbs 2 oz | 1981 | Homosassa |