Can I Keep?Red Grouper Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational red 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 Red 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: 20" TL
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person within the 4 grouper aggregate; State only: 0 fish bag limit for Charter Captain and Crew
- Season
- Season: State: Open year-round; Federal: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms; "The Edges" closed from Jan. 1 - April 30.
- 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: 20" TL
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: Up to 3 per person within 3 grouper aggregate
- Season
- Season: Open May 1-Dec. 31
- 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.
- Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- Gulf
- Bag limit
- Gulf ONLY: Managed under an IFQ program. Must possess IFQ allocation and follow established protocols. Learn more.
- Limits and seasons: see 68B-14, SAFMC, Gulf Council
- SPL, RS and federal permit
- See
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
- Gulf ONLY: Managed under an IFQ program. Must possess IFQ allocation and follow established protocols. Learn more.
- FWC's commercial summary lists these rules for groupers as a group.
- Where
- Atlantic
- Limits and seasons: see 68B-14, SAFMC, Gulf Council
- SPL, RS and federal permit
- See
- Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
- Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
- FWC's commercial summary lists these rules for groupers as a group.
Quick answers
What is the red grouper size limit in Florida?
Min. Size Limit: 20" TL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many red grouper can I keep in Florida?
Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person within the 4 grouper aggregate; State only: 0 fish bag limit for Charter Captain and Crew (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is red grouper season in Florida?
Season: State: Open year-round; Federal: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms; "The Edges" closed from Jan. 1 - April 30.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Red 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
- Gag Grouper
- Golden Tilefish
- Goliath Grouper
- Gray (Mangrove) Snapper
- Gray Triggerfish
- Greater Amberjack
- Hogfish
- Lane Snapper
- Lesser Amberjack and Banded Rudderfish
- Lionfish
- Mutton Snapper
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.