Goliath Grouper Regulations in Florida (2026)

Where

Statewide

Size limit

Slot Limit: 24” – 36” Total Length

Bag limit

Harvest Limits: Bag Limit: 1 fish per person during open season, with permit and tag

Season

Season & Closed Areas: Season: Open March 1 – May 31

• Hook-and-line only
• Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when using natural baits
• Must possess and use a dehooking device when releasing any goliath that are not harvested
• 200 permits* available each year
• Permits are non-transferable
• Category I: Allows harvest in all open areas, including Everglades National Park (ENP).
• Category II: Permit includes harvest allowance in open areas, but not Everglades National Park (ENP).
• Application: $10 non-refundable
• If awarded permit: $150 for Florida residents, $500 for non-residents
• T here are no exemptions to the requirement to obtain a goliath harvest permit. The permit is required for anglers who are otherwise exempt from the requirement to obtain a recreational saltwater fishing license. Goliath harvest permit holders must also possess a recreational saltwater fishing license. Visit our License Exemptions page to see if you are exempt from the requirement to possess a recreational saltwater fishing license
• * Unless exempt, a recreational saltwater fishing license is required i n addition to a goliath harve st permit.
• For additional information about goliath harvest permit requirements and how to apply, please visit the Goliath Grouper Harvest Permit page.
• Permits will be awarded by a random-draw lottery
• Permit Application Dates: Oct. 1-15, each year
• Permit lottery applications will be available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
• Closed Areas: state waters of Martin County (including the St. Lucie River and its tributaries) south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park, and all federal waters.
• Immediately apply a goliath tag to the lower jawbone of the harvested goliath
• Report goliath harvest data within 24 hours of harvest to the Commission’s online harvest reporting system, available at: https://GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and through the Fish|Hunt Florida app on Apple and Android devices.
• Report that no harvest occurred to the Commission’s harvest reporting system within 24 hours after the season closes if they do not harvest a goliath grouper.
• Provide a biological sample of harvested goliath grouper if required by the terms of the permit.
• Harvest is prohibited without a permit. See Goliath Harvest Program for more information on the limited, highly regulated harvest opportunity
• If you capture a goliath grouper, the fish must be immediately released alive, unharmed, and with proper fish handling techniques.*
• Do not remove large goliath groupers from the water. The skeletal structure of a large goliath grouper cannot support its weight out of the water and if brought aboard a vessel or removed from the water, the fish may sustain fatal injuries.
• FWC recommends anglers also keep smaller goliath groupers in the water when removing a hook.
• If a goliath grouper shows signs of barotrauma, use a descending device or venting tool to help the fish return to depth.
• You can photograph your catch if you follow the recommendations listed here and if it does not delay the release of the fish in any way.
• * Exception only if the angler possesses the required recreational goliath harvest permit and tag, and the fish meets the harvest regulations.
• Can I feed goliath grouper, sharks, or other fish?

Official source