Name: eRegulations
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Issued: July 2025
New regulations are highlighted in red
For the most current recreational saltwater fishing regulations, visit the FWC Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations page.

Regulations apply to state waters of the Gulf and Atlantic
State waters extend 9 miles from shore on the Gulf and 3 miles from shore on the Atlantic coast.

« 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 fishing gear rules apply. For details, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

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 America or Atlantic Ocean.

General Snapper Regulations:

Snapper Aggregate Bag Limit – Within state waters of the Atlantic and Gulf, all species of snapper are included in a 10 fish per harvester per day aggregate bag limit in any combination of snapper species, unless stated otherwise.
Seasons – If no seasonal information is provided, the species is open year-round.

Snapper, Cubera p u l

Illustration of a cubera snapper, a large saltwater game fish found in Florida and Gulf of Mexico waters, known for its reddish-brown body and sharp teeth. — **Cubera snapper** — a prized saltwater game fish in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, recognized for its reddish-brown body and powerful bite.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic and Gulf - 12" (see below)

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester under 30", included within snapper aggregate bag limit
May additionally harvest up to 2 over 30" per vessel, and these 2 fish over 30" are not included within snapper aggregate bag limit

Snapper, Red p u l X

Illustration of a red snapper, a popular saltwater game fish with bright red scales, found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. — **Red snapper** — a highly sought-after saltwater fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic, known for its vibrant red color and excellent table fare.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic - 20"
Gulf - 16"

Season:

Atlantic - Open year-round
Open May 24–26; June 1–July 31; Sept. 1–14, 19–21, 26–28; Oct. 3–5, 10–12, 17–19, 24–26; Oct. 31–Nov. 2; Nov. 7–9, 11, 14–16, 21–23, 27–30; Dec. 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, 25–28

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 2 per harvester
Gulf - Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels.

Snapper, Vermilion p u l X

Illustration of a vermilion snapper, a slender saltwater fish with reddish-pink scales and yellow streaks, commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. — **Vermilion snapper** — a colorful saltwater fish prized by anglers for its striking red-and-yellow hues and excellent flavor, abundant in the Gulf and Atlantic waters.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic - 12"
Gulf - 10"

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic - 5 per harvester not included within snapper aggregate bag limit
Gulf - 10 per harvester not included within snapper aggregate bag limit

Snapper, Lane p u l

Illustration of a lane snapper, a saltwater fish with pinkish-red coloring, yellow horizontal stripes, and a distinct black spot near the dorsal fin, common in Gulf and Atlantic waters. — **Lane snapper** — a vibrant reef fish with yellow stripes and a black spot, popular among recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean for both sport and table fare.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic and Gulf - 8"

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic - 10 per harvester
Gulf - 100 pounds per harvester, not included within snapper aggregate bag limit

Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) p u l

Illustration of a gray mangrove snapper, also called mangrove snapper, with a dark olive to gray body, reddish fins, and sharp dorsal spines, common in coastal and offshore waters. — **Gray mangrove snapper** — a versatile saltwater fish found in bays, mangroves, and offshore reefs, prized by anglers for its fight and excellent table quality.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic and Gulf - 10"

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester

Snapper, Mutton p u l X

Illustration of a mutton snapper with an olive-green back, reddish sides, a distinctive black spot on the upper side, and a pointed snout, commonly found in reefs and coastal waters. — **Mutton snapper** — a colorful reef fish known for its black spot and reddish hues, popular with anglers for sport fishing and prized as a delicious table fish.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic and Gulf - 18"

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester

Snapper, Schoolmaster p u l n

Illustration of a schoolmaster snapper with a yellow body, reddish-brown back, and distinct yellow fins, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow coastal waters. — **Schoolmaster snapper** — a reef-dwelling fish recognized by its yellow fins and reddish body, valued by anglers for sport and as a tasty catch in Florida and Caribbean waters.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic and Gulf - 10"

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester

Snapper, Yellowtail p u l X

Illustration of a yellowtail snapper with a silver body, yellow stripe, and bright yellow tail, a popular reef fish found in Florida and Caribbean waters. — **Yellowtail snapper** — a colorful reef fish known for its silver body and bright yellow stripe and tail, prized by anglers and often caught in the waters of Florida and the Caribbean.

Minimum Size Limits:

Atlantic and Gulf - 12"

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester

Other Snapper p u l n

Minimum Size Limits:

Dog and Mahogany: Atlantic and Gulf - 12”
No minimum size limit for other snappers

Daily Recreational Bag Limit:

Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester

See Recreational Gear for gear rules pertaining to reef fish.

All art: © Diane Rome Peebles, except blueline tilefish, golden tilefish and snowy grouper (Duane Raver); lionfish (FWC); and crustaceans and mollusks