Waterbody · Florida
Biscayne Bay Fishing Regulations 2026
Biscayne Bay fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are bonefish, permit, tarpon. 27 current rules across 4 species from FWC.
Rules (27)
FWC regulates 27 rules across 4 species at this water.
Permit
All Other State And Federal Waters Outside Spz
- Daily bag
- 2 per harvester
Federal Waters
- Possession
- 100 fish
incidental bycatch outside SPZ when fishing with nets targeting other species
Pompano Endorsement Zone (Pez)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Possession
- 2 fish/vessel
- Min size
- 24"
- Gear
- Spearing
snatching prohibited Federal waters
Special Permit Zone (South Of Cape Florida/Cape Sable)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Special Permit Zone (Spz)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Season opens
- Aug 1
- Season closes
- Mar 31
- Possession
- 2 fish/vessel
- Max size
- 22"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 22"
- Gear
- Spearing
snatching prohibited No more than 2 over 22" per vessel Not less than 11" or more than 22" fork length all other areas Federal waters
SpzClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/harvester
no directed commercial harvest not to exceed 2 per vessel SPZ
Tarpon
Boca Grande PassClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
bottom-weighted jigs are not allowed
Gulf And Atlantic State And Federal Waters
- Daily bag
- 1 per person per year
(tag required)
State And Federal Waters Of The Gulf And AtlanticCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Max size
- 40"
Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish. MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag
Bonefish
Biscayne BayCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch-and-release only fishery
Florida KeysCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch-and-release only fishery
Spiny Lobster
Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster SanctuaryClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Harvest prohibited at all times
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Biscayne Bay?
FWC regulates fishing on Biscayne Bay.
What species can I target on Biscayne Bay?
Biscayne Bay is best known for bonefish, permit, tarpon. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize FWC's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.