Can I Keep?Black Sea Bass Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational black sea bass 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
Minimum Size Limit: 10" total length
Bag limit
Daily Bag Limit: 100 pounds per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Black Sea Bass rules in Florida
- Where
- Gulf State Waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 10" total length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 100 pounds per person
- Legal Gear: hook and line, spears
- Gulf: non-stainless-steel, non-offset circle hooks; dehooking device
- Atlantic: dehooking device and as of Jan. 1, 2021, non-stainless steel hooks in all state waters, and non-offset circle hooks N. of 28 ° N. latitude.
- Where
- Atlantic State Waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 13" total length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 7 fish per person
- Legal Gear: hook and line, spears
- Gulf: non-stainless-steel, non-offset circle hooks; dehooking device
- Atlantic: dehooking device and as of Jan. 1, 2021, non-stainless steel hooks in all state waters, and non-offset circle hooks N. of 28 ° N. latitude.
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- Atlantic
- Size limit
- Size limit: Atlantic: 11 inches total length
- Atlantic: SPL, federal permit
- See full state rules at 68B-14
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- South Atlantic snapper grouper permit required in Atlantic. Black Sea Bass Pot endorsement required in Atlantic.
- Where
- Gulf
- Size limit
- Size limit: Gulf: 10 inches total length
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit: Gulf: Directed harvest: unlimited
- Season
- Closed season: Gulf: None
- Gulf: SPL and RS
- See full state rules at 68B-14
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- South Atlantic snapper grouper permit required in Atlantic. Black Sea Bass Pot endorsement required in Atlantic.
Quick answers
What is the black sea bass size limit in Florida?
Minimum Size Limit: 10" total length (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many black sea bass can I keep in Florida?
Daily Bag Limit: 100 pounds per person (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
Compare Black Sea Bass limits in other states →
More reef fish in Florida
- Black Grouper
- Black, Wenchman, Queen, Blackfin and Silk Snappers
- Blueline Tilefish
- Coney and Graysby
- Cubera Snapper
- Dog and Mahogany Snappers Yellowtail
- Gag Grouper
- Golden Tilefish
- Goliath Grouper
- Gray (Mangrove) Snapper
- Gray Triggerfish
- Greater Amberjack
- Hogfish
- Lane Snapper
- Lesser Amberjack and Banded Rudderfish
- Lionfish
- Mutton Snapper
- Red Grouper
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.