Can I Keep?Hogfish Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational hogfish 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 Hogfish rules in Florida
- Where
- Gulf State Waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 14" fork length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 5 per harvester
- Season
- Season: Open year-round
- Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
- Reef fish gear requirements apply
- Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable: Open year-round, 14-inch minimum size limit, 5-fish/person recreational bag limit.
- Atlantic federal waters: Open May 1-Oct. 31 annually. 16-inch minimum size limit, 1-fish/person recreational bag limit.
- Where
- Atlantic State Waters (includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable, including the Florida Keys)
- Size limit
- Minimum Size Limit: 16" fork length
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 1 per harvester
- Season
- Season: Open May 1-Oct. 31
- Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
- Reef fish gear requirements apply
- Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
- In the Atlantic reef fish fishery, gear rules require dehooking tools, and as of Jan. 1, 2021, non-stainless steel hooks in all state waters, and non-offset circle hooks N. of 28 ° N. latitude.
- Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable: Open year-round, 14-inch minimum size limit, 5-fish/person recreational bag limit.
- Atlantic federal waters: Open May 1-Oct. 31 annually. 16-inch minimum size limit, 1-fish/person recreational bag limit.
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- Atlantic
- Size limit
- Size limit: Atlantic: 16 inches fork length
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit: Atlantic: 25 pounds
- SPL, RS and federal permit
- See 68B-14
- Atlantic size limits & bag limits also apply in Gulf state and federal waters south of 25°09 N. Lat. Gulf includes all Gulf waters North of 25°09 N. Latitude.
- Size limit applies to imported fish.
- 14” size limit applies to imported fish.
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- Where
- Gulf
- Size limit
- Size limit: Gulf: 14 inches fork length
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit: Gulf: directed harvest: unlimited
- SPL, RS and federal permit
- See 68B-14
- Atlantic size limits & bag limits also apply in Gulf state and federal waters south of 25°09 N. Lat. Gulf includes all Gulf waters North of 25°09 N. Latitude.
- Size limit applies to imported fish.
- 14” size limit applies to imported fish.
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Quick answers
What is the hogfish size limit in Florida?
Minimum Size Limit: 14" fork length (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many hogfish can I keep in Florida?
Daily Bag Limit: 5 per harvester (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is hogfish season in Florida?
Season: Open year-round. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Hogfish 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
- Gag Grouper
- Golden Tilefish
- Goliath Grouper
- Gray (Mangrove) Snapper
- Gray Triggerfish
- Greater Amberjack
- 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.