Waterbody · Florida
Florida Keys Fishing Regulations 2026
Florida Keys fishing regulations as of 2026-05-08: 31 current rules from FWC. Anglers target tarpon, bonefish, permit.
Species pages for Florida Keys
Dedicated rule pages for the most-targeted species at this water.
Rules (31)
FWC regulates 31 rules across 4 species at this water.
Permit
All Other State And Federal Waters Outside Spz
- Daily bag
- 2 per harvester
All Other State Waters
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/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
Florida statewide
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 11"
Tarpon
Boca Grande Pass
- Gear
- 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"
- Gear
- Prohibited
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 Snagging, snatch hooking, spearing and the use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited
Bonefish
Florida KeysCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Prohibited
catch-and-release only fishery The use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait to harvest or attempt to harvest bonefish was also prohibited Sept. 1, 2013.
Biscayne BayCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Prohibited
catch-and-release only fishery The use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait to harvest or attempt to harvest bonefish was also prohibited Sept. 1, 2013.
Spiny Lobster
No-Take Areas In The Florida Keys National Marine SanctuaryClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Harvest prohibited at all times
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
- Gear
- Eggbearing Prohibited
The harvest or possession of eggbearing spiny lobster
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Florida Keys?
FWC regulates fishing on Florida Keys.
What species can I target on Florida Keys?
Florida Keys is best known for tarpon, bonefish, permit. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
When was this last updated?
These rules were last verified against FWC on 2026-05-08. 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. Last verified .