Can I Keep?Gag Grouper Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational gag grouper 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 Gag Grouper rules in Florida
- Where
- Gulf (for state and federal waters unless specified, excluding all state waters of Monroe County)
- Size limit
- Min. Size Limit: 24” TL
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person within 4 grouper aggregate; 0 fish bag limit for Charter Captain and Crew
- Season
- Season: Open September 1-30, 2026.
- May only possess/harvest no more than a total combination of 4 grouper species per person/per day
- Reef fish gear requirements apply and must be landed with the head and fins intact.
- Where
- Atlantic (for state and federal waters unless specified, including all state waters of Monroe County)
- Size limit
- Min. Size Limit: 24” TL
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: State and Federal: 1 gag or black within the 3 grouper aggregate; Vessel Limit: Combined 2 gag/black grouper per vessel per day; For-hire captain and crew retention prohibited
- Season
- Season: State and Federal: Open May 1 - August 1
- May only possess/harvest no more than a total combination of 3 grouper/tilefish species per person/per day
- Reef fish gear requirements apply and must be landed with head and fins intact.
Quick answers
What is the gag grouper size limit in Florida?
Min. Size Limit: 24” TL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many gag grouper can I keep in Florida?
Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person within 4 grouper aggregate; 0 fish bag limit for Charter Captain and Crew (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is gag grouper season in Florida?
Season: Open September 1-30, 2026.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Gag Grouper limits in other states →
More reef fish in Florida
- Black Grouper
- Black Sea Bass
- Black, Wenchman, Queen, Blackfin and Silk Snappers
- Blueline Tilefish
- Coney and Graysby
- Cubera Snapper
- Dog and Mahogany Snappers Yellowtail
- 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.