Cobia Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational cobia 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: 36” fork length
Bag limit
Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Cobia rules in Florida
- Where
- Gulf and Atlantic State Waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 36” fork length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less
- Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
- Where
- Gulf and Atlantic Federal Waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 36” fork length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less
- Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size Limit: 36 inches fork length
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit: 1 per day or 2 per vessel, whichever is less ( Rule 68B-19)
- Season
- Closed season: None
- Also known as ling.
- Licenses: SPL and RS
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- May not possess a recreational bag limit and a commercial bag limit at the same time.
- Size limit applies to sale.
Quick answers
What is the cobia size limit in Florida?
Minimum Size Limit: 36” fork length (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many cobia can I keep in Florida?
Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
Compare Cobia limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in Florida
- Atlantic Bonito and Little Tunny
- Barracuda
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- 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.