Florida · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Florida.

Florida is two distinct fisheries in one state — trophy largemouth bass in inland lakes and rivers, and the most diverse saltwater fishing in the country with regulations to match the complexity.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Florida. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the FWC and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. Saltwater and freshwater licenses are sold separately — most anglers need both if they fish across both waters. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the FWC before purchase.

Freshwater

Florida's largemouth bass fishery is iconic — Lake Okeechobee, the Stick Marsh, the Harris Chain, and Rodman Reservoir consistently produce trophy bass. Black crappie, bluegill, peacock bass (in Miami-area canals), and snook (where freshwater meets brackish) round out the fishery. Year-round seasons on most species with bag limits.

Rivers

River fishing centers on the St. Johns, Suwannee, Apalachicola, and Caloosahatchee for largemouth bass, sunshine bass, and panfish. Spring-fed rivers like the Rainbow, Crystal, and Wakulla hold large bass and panfish in extraordinarily clear water. The Everglades drainage offers backcountry fishing.

Saltwater

Saltwater regulations are the most detailed in the country — species-specific seasons, slot limits, and bag limits change yearly and vary by region (Atlantic vs Gulf vs Florida Keys). Snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, snapper, grouper, and offshore pelagics drive the fishery. Federal limits also apply offshore.

Special

Snook season is closed in summer (May 1 – Aug 31) and December – January depending on coast. Tarpon is catch-and-release with a tag required to take a fish for record purposes. Spotted seatrout, redfish, and snook bag limits vary by management region. Goliath grouper is fully protected.

Popular species

Largemouth bass · Snook · Redfish · Spotted seatrout · Tarpon · Snapper · Grouper · Peacock bass

State agency

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Agency site →

Bield Fish earns its predictions.

14-day free trial. No credit card. Cancel anytime.

Start free trial