Flounder Regulations in Florida (2026)

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

Size limit

Minimum Size Limit: 14" total length

Bag limit

Daily Bag Limit: 5 per person

Season

Seasonal Closure: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Flounder rules in Florida

Where: Gulf and Atlantic State Waters
Size limit: Minimum Size Limit: 14" total length
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: 5 per person
Season: Seasonal Closure: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.

Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
Illegal Gear: harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; snatching prohibited
Flounder regulations are for state and federal waters off Florida.
*Note - Regulations on this page apply to Gulf flounder, Southern flounder, summer flounder and fringed flounder.
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Size limit: Size limit: 14 inches
Bag limit: Trip/bag limit: Directed harvest: commercial trip and vessel limit of; 150 fish from Dec. 1 – Oct. 14; 50 fish Oct. 15 – Nov. 30; Incidental bycatch: 50 fish/trip for non-allowable gear; Federal waters trawl bycatch limit 150 fish/trip from Dec. 1 – Oct. 14, and 50 fish from/trip Oct. 15 – Nov. 30.
Season: Closed season: None

Allowable gear: beach or haul seine, cast net, hook and line and spearing.
Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait or any snatch hook.
In Volusia County, spearing with barbed spear having more than 3 prongs prohibited.
Size limit applies to sale of fish.
Includes Gulf, Southern, Summer and Fringed.
Licenses required: SPL and RS.
NEWS: The Commission approved changes to the flounder fishery that go into effect March 1, 2021. Learn more about these changes.
Flounder regulations are for state and federal waters off Florida.
See 68B-48.
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).

Official source

Quick answers

What is the flounder size limit in Florida?

Minimum Size Limit: 14" total length.

How many flounder can I keep in Florida?

Daily Bag Limit: 5 per person.

When is flounder season in Florida?

Seasonal Closure: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Flounder limits in other states →

More inshore 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.