Can I Keep?Bluefish Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational bluefish 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.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Bluefish rules in Florida
- Where
- Atlantic state waters
- Size limit
- Minimum size limit: 12" fork length
- Bag limit
- Daily bag limit: 3 fish per person from Nassau through Miami-Dade counties
- Legal Gear: hook and line, spears, gigs, seine, cast net
- Where
- Atlantic federal waters (regulated by the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council)
- Size limit
- Minimum size limit: none
- Bag limit
- Daily bag limit: 3 per person for anglers fishing from private recreational vessels and 5 per person on for-hire vessels
- Legal Gear: hook and line, spears, gigs, seine, cast net
- For-hire vessels are required to have a federal bluefish charter permit to keep bluefish.
- Where
- Gulf state and federal waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 12" fork length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 10 per harvester (includes Monroe County)
- Legal Gear: hook and line, spears, gigs, seine, cast net
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size limit: 12 inches fork length
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limits: State and federal waters north of Miami-Dade/Monroe county line is 7,500 pounds per vessel per day. Other state and federal waters: none. See 68B-43.
- Season
- Closed seasons: None
- SPL and RS
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- See 68B-43 for detailed rules.
Quick answers
What is the bluefish size limit in Florida?
Minimum size limit: 12" fork length (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many bluefish can I keep in Florida?
Daily bag limit: 3 fish per person from Nassau through Miami-Dade counties (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
Compare Bluefish limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in Florida
- Atlantic Bonito and Little Tunny
- Barracuda
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Cobia
- Dolphinfish (Mahi-Mahi)
- King Mackerel
- Roundscale Spearfish
- Sailfish
- Sharks (harvestable species)
- Spanish Mackerel
- Swordfish
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
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.