Size and bag limits and closed seasons for 34 species anglers catch from shore in Florida, and which are open today, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's own pages, last checked Sep 30, 2026. Tap a species for its rules by area and the page each one comes from.
Big Bend region, Panhandle region, Sarasota Bay region and Tampa Bay region: Catch and release only May 1 – Aug 31
Big Bend region, Charlotte Harbor region, Panhandle region, Sarasota Bay region, Southwest region and Tampa Bay region: Catch and release only Dec 1 – end of Feb
Charlotte Harbor region and Southwest region: Catch and release only May 1 – Sep 30
Indian River Lagoon region, Northeast region and Southeast region: Catch and release only Jun 1 – Aug 31
Indian River Lagoon region, Northeast region and Southeast region: Catch and release only Dec 15 – Jan 31
Gulf state waters: Catch and release only Jan 1 – end of Feb
Gulf state waters: Catch and release only Jun 1 – Jul 31
Do you need a license?
Almost certainly, even from a beach or a pier, and residents who fish from shore can get one for free. Who needs what, the costs and the permits for snook, tarpon and sharks are on one page.
Do I need a fishing license to fish from shore in Florida?
Almost certainly. You need a saltwater fishing license to catch, or try to catch, saltwater fish in Florida from a beach, pier, bridge, jetty or seawall just as much as from a boat, unless an exemption applies. Florida residents who fish from shore can get the Saltwater Shoreline license for free.
How much is a Florida saltwater fishing license?
For residents the Saltwater Shoreline license is free, and the resident saltwater license, which covers boat fishing too, costs $17 a year or $79 for five years. Visitors pay $17 for 3 days, $30 for 7 days or $47 for a year. Sellers may add an issuance fee of 50¢. Prices checked September 24, 2026.
When is snook season in Florida?
Snook can be kept in Florida all year except in these closed seasons: Big Bend region, Panhandle region, Sarasota Bay region, Tampa Bay region: catch and release only May 1 – Aug 31 and Dec 1 – end of Feb; Charlotte Harbor region, Southwest region: catch and release only May 1 – Sep 30 and Dec 1 – end of Feb; Indian River Lagoon region, Northeast region, Southeast region: catch and release only Jun 1 – Aug 31 and Dec 15 – Jan 31. Rules checked Sep 30, 2026; confirm with FWC before you keep a fish.
When is spotted seatrout season in Florida?
Spotted Seatrout can be kept in Florida all year except in these closed seasons: Indian River Lagoon region: catch and release only Nov 1 – Dec 31. Rules checked Sep 30, 2026; confirm with FWC before you keep a fish.
When is southern flounder season in Florida?
Southern Flounder can be kept in Florida all year except in these closed seasons: Florida: catch and release only Oct 15 – Nov 30. Rules checked Sep 30, 2026; confirm with FWC before you keep a fish.
When is Gulf flounder season in Florida?
Gulf Flounder can be kept in Florida all year except in these closed seasons: Florida: catch and release only Oct 15 – Nov 30. Rules checked Sep 30, 2026; confirm with FWC before you keep a fish.
Rules change through the year and differ along the coast. The FWC's own pages are the final word: if anything here differs, they are right. See the FWC recreational saltwater regulations.
