Current FWC regulations
Season
Gulf state waters (excluding Monroe County)
Sept 1 – 30, 2026; closed for the rest of 2026
Gulf federal waters
Sept 1 – 30, 2026; closed for the rest of 2026
Atlantic state and federal waters
See FWC — restricted; 1 fish within 3-grouper aggregate, 2 gag per vessel/day
Size limit
24" TL minimum
Bag limit
Gulf: 2 per person/day within 4-grouper aggregate. Atlantic: 1 gag or black grouper per person within 3-grouper aggregate, plus 2 gag/vessel/day. Charter captain and crew: zero.
Legal gear
Circle hooks required when using natural bait for reef fish beyond state waters. Descending device required.
Notes
Very short state season. Gag population still rebuilding — expect regulations to remain conservative. Always verify current-year dates.
These limits are summarized from public FWC data and reviewed monthly. Florida regulations can change on short notice — always verify at MyFWC.com/Fishing before keeping a fish.
Best time to fish
2026 Gulf state waters (excluding Monroe County) and federal waters were open September 1 – 30 and are closed for the rest of 2026.
Best baits and tackle
Live pinfish, mullet, sardines, cigar minnows. Dead bait: whole squid, bonito chunks. Deep jigs on structure.
Where to find them
Ledges, rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom in 50-200 ft. Move to deeper water in cooler months.
Sources
Cross-referenced with the FWC Saltwater Regulations and FWC Freshwater Regulations. Reviewed July 2026.
Species photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons contributors and public agencies (USFWS / NOAA / state fisheries). Licensed CC-BY, CC-BY-SA, or public domain.