Can I Keep?Black Drum Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational black drum rules in Florida saltwater, as published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Slot Limit: 14-24" with one fish over 24"
Bag limit
Daily Bag Limit: 5 per harvester per day (can include one over 24")
Season
Season: Open year-round
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Black Drum rules in Florida
- Where
- Gulf and Atlantic State Waters
- Size limit
- Slot Limit: 14-24" with one fish over 24"
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 5 per harvester per day (can include one over 24")
- Season
- Season: Open year-round
- Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig
- Illegal Gear: Cannot harvest using any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; Snatching prohibited
- Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size limit: 14-24 inches total length. Maximum size limit applies to sale.
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit: 500 lbs. per person or vessel per day, whichever is less. See 68B-50. Bag limit applies regardless of the possession or use of additional vessels.
- Season
- Closed season: None
- SPL and RS
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait or any snatch hook.
- Prohibition on multiple or snatch hook applies to state and federal waters.
- Harvest prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Quick answers
What is the black drum size limit in Florida?
Slot Limit: 14-24" with one fish over 24".
How many black drum can I keep in Florida?
Daily Bag Limit: 5 per harvester per day (can include one over 24").
When is black drum season in Florida?
Season: Open year-round. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Black Drum limits in other states →
More inshore in Florida
- African Pompano
- Florida Pompano
- Flounder
- Mullet
- Permit
- Red Drum
- Sheepshead
- Snook
- Spot and Atlantic Croaker
- Spotted Seatrout
- Tarpon
- Tripletail
- Weakfish
All Florida saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Most anglers need a Florida saltwater license or registry: get one here.