Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Fishing Licenses
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requires all recreational saltwater anglers to obtain a saltwater fishing license. There are a few exceptions to this rule; for example:
You are under 16 years of age.
You are fishing on a charter boat or with a guide who has a valid vessel license.
You are a Florida resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state and are home on leave for 30 days or less (upon submission of orders).
You are a
A full list of current exemptions can be found at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s web site, www.myfwc.com, and at other licensing locations.
Licenses may be purchased online, at many boating supply stores, convenience stores, tackle shops and some marinas.
A special HMS Angling permit must be obtained by boat owners before fishing for certain species (even catch and release), such as sharks, swordfish, billfish, and tunas.
Following are regulations in regard to the most common species of ocean fish found in the
As of July 1, 2006, new rules went into effect, which clarified the definition of “Total Length” for fish measurement. Size limit regulations employed the FWC use either “Fork Length” or “Total Length.” Fish must remain whole, with heads and tails intact, until you are ashore.
Fork Length Measurement consists of measuring from the tip of the jaw, or snout (with the fish’s mouth closed) to the center of the fork in the tail.
Total Length Measurement consists of measuring the fish from the tip of the jaw, or snout, to the farthest tip of the tail (with the tail pinched together).
Grouper – Black & Gag, minimum size is 24”, daily limit is 2 per person.
Spanish Mackerel – Minimum size is 12” to fork, daily limit is 15 per person.
Mangrove Snapper, Gray Snapper – Min. size is 10” total, daily limit 5 per person.
Lane Snapper – Minimum size is 8” total, daily limit is 10 per person.
Mutton Snapper – Minimum size is 16” total, daily limit is 10 per person.
Vermilion Snapper – Minimum size is 11” total, daily limit is 10 per person.
Yellowtail Snapper – Minimum size is 12” total, daily limit is 10 per person.
All other Snapper is the same as Yellowtail Snapper requirements.
Snook – Requires a permit when saltwater license is required and there are certain dates when the season is closed. Check with local authorities.
The minimum sizes for billfish are as follows: Blue Marlin: 99 inches lower jaw fork length; White Marlin: 66 inches lower jaw fork length; Sailfish: 63 inches lower jaw fork length; Spearfish: Retention prohibited. Lower jaw fork length is a straight line measurement from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the caudal fin. None of these fish may be sold, and all must be reported.
