Permit Regulations in Florida (2026)

Recreational permit 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.

Size limit

Minimum Size Limit: 22" fork length

Bag limit

1 per person

Season

Season: Closed April 1-July 31

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Permit rules in Florida

Where: Special Permit Zone (SPZ)
Size limit: Minimum Size Limit: 22" fork length
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: 1 per harvester; Vessel Limit: No more than 2 per vessel
Season: Season: Closed April 1-July 31

State waters: Hook and line only.
Federal waters: Hook and line and spearing.
Prohibited Gear: harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; snatching prohibited
Special Permit Zone (SPZ)
The Special Permit Zone includes state and adjacent federal waters south of a line running due east from Cape Florida in the Atlantic at 25° 40' North Latitude, waters of Biscayne Bay south of Rickenbacker Causeway, and south of a line just south of Cape Sable running due west through federal waters at 25° 09' North Latitude.

Official source

Where: All other state and federal waters outside the SPZ
Size limit: Slot Limit: Not less than 11" or more than 22" fork length; may possess 1 over 22" included in the per person bag limit
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: 2 per harvester; Vessel Limit: No more than 2 over 22" per vessel
Season: Season: Open year-round

State waters: Hook and line only.
Federal waters: Hook and line and spearing.
Prohibited Gear: harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; snatching prohibited
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 2 commercial rules

Where: Special Permit Zone (SPZ)
Bag limit: No commercial harvest inside SPZ

SPL, RS and federal permit
Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait or any snatch hook.
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Special Commercial Permit Zone (SPZ) includes all state and federal waters south of a line running due east from Cape Florida and south of a line running due west from Cape Sable.

Official source

Where: All other state and federal waters outside the SPZ
Size limit: Slot Limit: 11" - 20" fork length
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: Zero; Daily Incidental Bycatch Limit: 100 permit for persons fishing for other species in federal waters with gill or entangling nets, as long as such person possesses a saltwater products license with a restricted species endorsement
Season: Closed Season: None

*Permit, Florida pompano and African pompano must be landed in whole condition.
SPL, RS and federal permit
Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait or any snatch hook.
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Special Commercial Permit Zone (SPZ) includes all state and federal waters south of a line running due east from Cape Florida and south of a line running due west from Cape Sable.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the permit size limit in Florida?

Minimum Size Limit: 22" fork length (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many permit can I keep in Florida?

Daily Bag Limit: 1 per harvester; Vessel Limit: No more than 2 per vessel (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is permit season in Florida?

Season: Closed April 1-July 31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

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.