Tarpon Regulations in Florida (2026)

Recreational tarpon 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: None. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the…

Bag limit

Daily Bag Limit: Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. One…

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Tarpon rules in Florida

Where: State and Federal Waters of the Gulf and Atlantic
Size limit: Minimum Size Limit: None. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as is safely possible.
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish.

Hook and line only.
Snagging, snatch hooking, spearing and the use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited

Official source

Where: Boca Grande Pass

Fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is prohibited when fishing for any species year-round within Boca Grande Pass. If this gear is on board a fishing vessel while inside the boundaries of the Pass, it cannot be attached to any rod, line or leader and must be stowed. Natural bait is not considered to be a weight. If the jig fishes in an illegal manner it is prohibited. Any jig that allows the attached weight to slip down the shank so tha
If the weight can slip down the shank to the bottom of the hook, as demonstrated in video below, it is prohibited.
During the months of April, May and June, no more than three fishing lines may be deployed from a vessel at any one time AND no person shall use, fish with, or place in the water any breakaway gear.
Unsure if the gear is prohibited? Call the regional office at 863-648-3200.
Map of Boca Grande Pass Boundaries
Charlotte Harbor Channel LB6 (26 degrees, 42.299 minutes north; 82 degrees, 16.551 minutes west)
Concrete Pier (26 degrees, 43.165 minutes north; 82 degrees, 15.778 minutes west)
Phosphate Dock (26 degrees, 43.216 minutes north; 82 degrees, 15.517 minutes west)
Intracoastal Waterway (26 degrees, 43.216 minutes north; 82 degrees, 14.703 minutes west)
Flashing Green #75 (26 degrees, 42.299 minutes north; 82 degrees, 14.580 minutes west)
QR Test Buoy (26 degrees, 42.002 minutes north; 82 degrees, 15.448 minutes west)

Official source

Quick answers

What is the tarpon size limit in Florida?

Minimum Size Limit: None. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as is safely possible. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many tarpon can I keep in Florida?

Daily Bag Limit: Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

Compare Tarpon limits in other states →

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.