Can I Keep?Crab, Horseshoe (Limulus polyphemus) Regulations in Florida (2026)
Limulus polyphemus
Recreational crab, horseshoe (limulus polyphemus) rules in Florida saltwater, as published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Last checked November 7, 2026.
Bag limit
Bag Limits/Remarks: Recreational harvest prohibited
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Crab, Horseshoe (Limulus polyphemus) rules in Florida
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Bag Limits/Remarks: Recreational harvest prohibited
- *Unless otherwise noted, combined bag limit of 20 marine life fish and invertebrates per person per day, only 5 of any one species allowed. A 2-day possession limit also applies (40 total organisms, only 10 of any one species).
- **Such as groupers, snappers, seabass and amberjacks. Must abide by regulations for these species in Rule 68B-14 F.A.C.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size limit: none
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit: 25 per person per day or 100 per person per day with marine life endorsement.
- Season
- Closed season: none
- Allowable gear: by hand or gig.
- Limits extend to docks, piers, bridges, beaches and adjacent fishing sites.
- SPL
- ML endorsement optional
- Bio-med optional
- A biomedical collection permit is required for collecting blood (crabs must be released alive in the area where collected.)
- For full rule, visit 68B-46.
Quick answers
How many crab, horseshoe (limulus polyphemus) can I keep in Florida?
Bag Limits/Remarks: Recreational harvest prohibited.
More other species in Florida
- Angelfish (Family Pomacanthidae)
- Burrfish/Balloonfish/Porcupinefish
- Butterflyfish (Family Chaetodontidae)
- Conch, Queen (Strombus gigas)
- Corals, Soft (Subclass Octocorallia)
- Cowfish
- Filefish/Triggerfish (Family Balistidae)
- Gobies (Family Gobiidae)
- Hamlets/Seabasses (Family Serranidae)
- Jawfish (Family Opistognathidae)
- Live Rock
- Marine Life
- Octopods (Order Octopoda)
- Parrotfish (Family Scaridae)
- Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus)
- Pufferfish
- Sea Biscuits/Sand Dollars (Order Clypeasteroida)
- Siphonophores/Hydroids (Class Hydrozoa)
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.