Florida Fishing Regulations & Laws | FloridaFish.com
FloridaFish.com
Stay Legal, Fish Responsibly

Florida Fishing Regulations

Know the rules, protect the resource. Complete guide to Florida fishing laws, licenses, size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures.

Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Fishing regulations change frequently and vary by location, season, and species. The information provided here may not reflect the most current regulations.

Always verify current regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before fishing. Visit MyFWC.com or call 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA for official regulations.

Violating fishing regulations can result in fines, license suspension, and criminal charges. It is your responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.

License Requirements

Who Needs a License?

License Required

  • Anyone age 16 or older fishing in saltwater
  • Anyone age 16 or older fishing in freshwater
  • Non-residents of any age

Exemptions

  • Children under 16 years old
  • Florida residents age 65+ (saltwater only)
  • Fishing from a licensed charter boat
  • Fishing from land in your home county (residents only)
  • Disabled persons with specific permits
License Types & Prices
Saltwater - Resident Annual$17

Valid for 12 months

Saltwater - Non-Resident Annual$47

Valid for 12 months

Freshwater - Resident Annual$17

Valid for 12 months

Freshwater - Non-Resident Annual$47

Valid for 12 months

Combo (Salt + Fresh) - Resident$32.50

Best value for both waters

Prices shown are approximate. Visit MyFWC.com for current pricing.

Important License Information

  • Licenses must be in your possession while fishing
  • Digital licenses on mobile devices are acceptable
  • Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable
  • Additional permits required for lobster, snook stamps in some areas

Species Regulations

Snook
1 per person
Size Limit
28-33 inches
Season
Open Sep 1 - Dec 14, Feb 1 - May 31
Notes
Closed Dec 15 - Jan 31 & Jun 1 - Aug 31
Redfish (Red Drum)
1 per person
Size Limit
18-27 inches
Season
Year-round
Notes
Only one fish over 27" allowed per vessel
Spotted Seatrout
4 per person
Size Limit
15-20 inches
Season
Year-round
Notes
Only one fish over 20" allowed
Tarpon
0 (C&R only)
Size Limit
N/A - Catch & Release
Season
Year-round
Notes
Harvest tag required for record fish
Grouper (Gag)
2 per person
Size Limit
24 inches minimum
Season
Check seasonal closures
Notes
Varies by region and season
Snapper (Red)
2 per person
Size Limit
16 inches minimum
Season
Check federal/state seasons
Notes
Federal and state waters differ

Seasonal Closures

Current Closures
Snook
Closed December 15 - January 31 (Winter)
Closed June 1 - August 31 (Summer)
Gag Grouper (Gulf)
Check current FWC regulations for seasonal closures
Red Snapper
Limited seasons - check FWC for current dates
Upcoming Season Changes
Snook Opens
September 1 - Gulf Coast
February 1 - After winter closure
Grouper Seasons
Vary by species and region - check FWC calendar

Protected Species

Goliath Grouper
Catch & Release Only

Fully protected. Must be released immediately. No harvest allowed.

Nassau Grouper
Fully Protected

Endangered species. Must be released immediately if caught.

Sawfish
Endangered

Critically endangered. Keep in water, remove hook if possible, report sighting.

Sea Turtles
Protected

All species protected. Avoid interactions, report entanglements.

Important Reminders

Know Before You Go

Regulations change frequently. Always check current FWC regulations before fishing.

Measure Correctly

Most fish measured from tip of snout to tip of tail (total length). Some species use fork length.

Protect the Resource

Follow regulations to ensure sustainable fisheries for future generations. Report violations to FWC.