Grouper
Issued: July 2024
New regulations are highlighted in red
(please visit: MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational
for the most current regulations) Regulations apply to state waters of the Gulf and Atlantic
« - Spearing Prohibited
p - Must remain in whole condition (removal of gills and guts allowed).
u - Measured as total length. Total length is the straight line distance from the most forward part of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together while the fish is lying on its side.
n - State regulations apply in federal waters.
l - Additional gear rules apply, please see: MyFWC.com
T - Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook (any hook with two or more points and a common shaft) in conjunction with live or dead natural bait.
X - State Reef Fish Angler designation required when fishing for select reef fish species from a private vessel in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Grouper General Regulations:
- Atlantic grouper regulations apply to all state waters of the Atlantic and all state waters off Monroe County (Gulf and Atlantic sides).
- Atlantic Grouper/Tilefish Aggregate Bag Limit – includes all species of grouper plus golden and blueline tilefish included in a 3 fish per harvester per day aggregate bag limit in any combination of species.
Gulf Grouper General Regulations:
- Gulf grouper regulations apply to all state waters of the Gulf except off Monroe County (where Atlantic rules apply).
- Gulf Grouper Aggregate Bag Limit – all species of grouper in the Gulf are included in a 4 fish per harvester per day aggregate bag limit in any combination of grouper species.
* Zero bag limit for captain and crew of for-hire vessels applies to Gulf gag, black, and red grouper only.
Grouper, Black - p u l X
Minimum Size Limits:
- Atlantic - 24"
- Gulf - 24"
Season:
- Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30
- Gulf - Open year-round
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Only 1 fish can be gag or black
- Gulf - 4 per harvester*
Grouper, Scamp - p u l
Minimum Size Limits:
- Atlantic - 20"
- Gulf - 16"
Season:
- Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30
- Gulf - Open year-round
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 3 per harvester
- Gulf - 4 per harvester
Grouper, Snowy - p l
Minimum Size Limit:
- Atlantic and Gulf - None
Season:
- Atlantic - Open May 1–June 30
- Gulf - Open year round
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 1 per vessel
- Gulf - 4 per harvester
Gag Grouper - p u l X
Minimum Size Limits:
- Atlantic - 24"
- Gulf - 24"
Season:
- Atlantic - Closed June 15–Dec. 31
- Gulf - Visit MyFWC.com for 2024 season updates
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Only 1 fish can be gag or black
- Gulf - 2 per harvester*
Grouper, Yellowfin & Yellowmouth - p u l
Minimum Size Limits:
- Atlantic and Gulf - 20"
Season:
- Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30
- Gulf - Open year-round
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 3 per harvester
- Gulf - 4 per harvester
Grouper, Red - p u l X
Minimum Size Limits:
- Atlantic and Gulf - 20"
Season:
- Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30
- Gulf - Closed July 1–Dec. 31
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 3 per harvester
- Gulf - 2 per harvester*
Grouper, Warsaw & Speckled Hind - p l
Minimum Size Limits:
- Atlantic and Gulf - None
Season:
- Open year-round
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic and Gulf - 1 per vessel per day of each species
Other Groupers - p l
Other Grouper includes:
- Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby, Misty, and Yellowedge
Season:
- Atlantic – Rock hind, Red hind, Coney, Graysby: Closed Jan. 1–April 30
- Atlantic - All others open year-round
- Gulf - Open year-round
Daily Recreational Bag Limit:
- Atlantic - 3 per harvester
- Gulf - 4 per harvester
