Black Grouper Regulations in Florida (2026)

Recreational black grouper rules in Florida saltwater, as published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Last checked November 7, 2026.

Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.

Size limit

Min. Size Limit: 24” TL

Bag limit

4 per person

Season

Season: State: Open year-round; Federal: Closed Feb. 1-March 31…

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Black Grouper rules in Florida

Where: Gulf (for state and federal waters unless specified, excluding all state waters of Monroe County)
Size limit: Min. Size Limit: 24” TL
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: 4 per person within 4 grouper aggregate; State only: 0 fish bag limit for Charter Captain and Crew
Season: Season: State: Open year-round; Federal: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms; "The Edges" closed Jan 1 - Apr 30

May only possess/harvest no more than a total combination of 4 grouper species per person/per day
Reef fish gear requirements apply and must be landed with the head and fins intact.

Official source

Where: Atlantic (for state and federal waters unless specified, including all state waters of Monroe County)
Size limit: Min. Size Limit: 24” TL
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: State and Federal: 1 gag or black within the 3 grouper aggregate; Vessel Limit: Combined 2 gag/black grouper per vessel per day; For-hire captain and crew retention prohibited.
Season: Season: Open May 1-Dec. 31

May only possess/harvest no more than a total combination of 3 grouper/tilefish species per person/per day
Reef fish gear requirements apply and must be landed with head and fins intact.
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 2 commercial rules

Where: Gulf
Bag limit: Gulf ONLY: Managed under an IFQ program. Must possess IFQ allocation and follow established protocols. Learn more.

Limits and seasons: see 68B-14, SAFMC, Gulf Council
SPL, RS and federal permit
See
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
Gulf ONLY: Managed under an IFQ program. Must possess IFQ allocation and follow established protocols. Learn more.
FWC's commercial summary lists these rules for groupers as a group.

Official source

Where: Atlantic

Limits and seasons: see 68B-14, SAFMC, Gulf Council
SPL, RS and federal permit
See
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
FWC's commercial summary lists these rules for groupers as a group.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the black grouper size limit in Florida?

Min. Size Limit: 24” TL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many black grouper can I keep in Florida?

Daily Bag Limit: 4 per person within 4 grouper aggregate; State only: 0 fish bag limit for Charter Captain and Crew (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is black grouper season in Florida?

Season: State: Open year-round; Federal: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms; "The Edges" closed Jan 1 - Apr 30. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Black Grouper limits in other states →

More reef fish in Florida

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.