Can I Keep?Sharks (harvestable species) Regulations in Florida (2026)
Recreational sharks (harvestable species) rules in Florida saltwater, as published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Size limits: Harvestable sharks fall into these three groups based on…
Bag limit
1 per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Sharks (harvestable species) rules in Florida
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size limits: Harvestable sharks fall into these three groups based on their size limit; Group 1 sharks (8 species) have no minimum size limit and include: Atlantic Sharpnose; Blacknose; Blacktip; Bonnethead; Finetooth; Smooth dogfish; Florida smoothhound; Gulf smoothhound; Group 2 sharks (7 species) have a 54 inch (fork length) minimum size limit and include: Bull; Nurse; Spinner; Blue; Porbeagle; Thresher (common)
- Bag limit
- Bag limit: 1 shark per person per day.; Vessel limit: 2 sharks per vessel – this means that the maximum number of sharks that can be retained from a vessel is two sharks, even if more than two anglers are on board.
- Hook and line only. Harvest prohibited by or with the use of a treble hook or any other multiple hook (any hook with two or more points and a common shaft) in conjunction with live or dead natural bait.
- Non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required when targeting or harvesting sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel).
- The possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks is required (when fishing from shore or a vessel).
- All sharks that are retained for use must remain in whole condition with heads, tails and fins attached until landed. Gilling and evisceration while on waters or in a fishing location is allowed.
- Chumming is prohibited when fishing for any species from the beach.
- For regulations on rays, visit the Unregulated Species page. Harvest of giant manta ray and spotted eagle ray are prohibited in state and federal waters. For yellow stingrays, visit the Marine Life species page.
- Can I feed sharks and other fish?
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- No Minimum Size: Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, blacktip, bonnetheaed, finetooth, smooth dogfish and Florida smoothhound; 54 in (fork length): bull, nurse, spinner, blue, porbeagle, and thresher
- Bag limit
- Trip/bag limit - The bag limit for the commercial harvest of sharks in state waters is the same as recreational harvest which is one per person per day, maximum two per vessel. Federal limits apply in federal waters.
- Allowable gear - If harvest occurs in state waters of Florida; rod and reel, handline, and bandit gear are the only allowable harvesting gear. If harvest occurs in federal waters; rod and reel, handline, bandit gear, longlines and gill nets are allowable harvesting gear provided that federal regulations allow the use of longlines and gill nets in the area being fished. Fishers harvesting in federal waters should be aware of federal longline restrictions and harvesting gear seasonal restrictions due to Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan regulations. No sharks may be harvested (targeted or incidentally) through the use of any trap in state or federal waters. Spearing prohibited.
- Licenses Required - State of Florida Saltwater Products License (SPL) and a federal annual vessel permit for sharks (Shark Limited Access Permit (LAP)). Sharks are not regulated as a Marine Life (ML) species, and a State of Florida ML endorsement does not authorize the harvest of sharks.
- Landing in Whole Condition Requirements - All sharks that are retained for use must remain in whole condition with heads, tails and fins attached until landed. Gilling and evisceration while on waters or in a fishing location is allowed.
- Fishery closures - State waters are closed to commercial harvest when federal waters are closed. All harvest, possession, landing, sale, purchase or exchange is prohibited in Florida during a shark fishery closure, regardless where harvested.
- License Requirements for Sale - Commercial shark fishers may only sell to a state licensed wholesale dealer who is also a federally permitted shark dealer.
- License Requirements for Purchase - State licensed wholesale dealers may only purchase sharks if they are a federal permitted shark dealer, and the fisher holds a valid State of Florida Saltwater Products License (SPL) and a Federal Shark Limited Access Permit (LAP).
- Federal closures apply in state waters.
Quick answers
What is the sharks (harvestable species) size limit in Florida?
Size limits: Harvestable sharks fall into these three groups based on their size limit; Group 1 sharks (8 species) have no minimum size limit and include: Atlantic Sharpnose; Blacknose; Blacktip; Bonnethead; Finetooth; Smooth dogfish; Florida smoothhound; Gulf smoothhound; Group 2 sharks (7 species) have a 54 inch (fork length) minimum size limit and include: Bull; Nurse; Spinner; Blue; Porbeagle; Thresher (common).
How many sharks (harvestable species) can I keep in Florida?
Bag limit: 1 shark per person per day.; Vessel limit: 2 sharks per vessel – this means that the maximum number of sharks that can be retained from a vessel is two sharks, even if more than two anglers are on board..
More offshore & pelagic in Florida
- Atlantic Bonito and Little Tunny
- Barracuda
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Cobia
- Dolphinfish (Mahi-Mahi)
- King Mackerel
- Roundscale Spearfish
- Sailfish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Swordfish
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
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.