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Florida flounder season, size and bag limit

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Flounder regulations

Flounder season in Florida: flounder harvest is closed every year from October 15 through November 30 in Gulf and Atlantic state and adjacent federal waters. When open, the minimum size is 14 inches total length and the bag limit is five per person per day. Gigs, spears, hook and line, seines and cast nets are legal.

Quick answer

Status (Oct 15, 2026)
CLOSED statewide Oct 15–Nov 30, 2026. Harvest reopens Dec 1
Size
14" minimum total length
Bag limit
5 per person per day
Permits
Saltwater fishing license (unless exempt)
Southern flounder: side view for identification
Southern flounder, one of the four flounder species covered by FWC's rules. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory, Brandi Noble collection). Public domain
Total length vs fork lengthTotal length runs from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the squeezed tail. Fork length runs from the tip of the snout to the center of the tail fork.How FWC measures fishTOTAL LENGTH: mouth closed → tip of squeezed tailFORK LENGTH: snout → center of tail forkTL species include: red drum, snook, spotted seatrout, weakfish, snappers, groupers, flounder, sheepsheadFL species include: pompano, permit, Spanish & king mackerel, cobia, amberjacks, hogfish, dolphin
Measure in a straight line with the fish on its side; don't follow its curve. Flounder use total length: 14 in minimum. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Flounder rules by area

AreaClosed seasonMinimum sizeBag
Gulf state & federal watersOct 15–Nov 3014"5
Atlantic state & federal watersOct 15–Nov 3014"5

Applies to Gulf, southern, summer and fringed flounder. Special rules apply in Biscayne National Park.

Don't get ticketed: checklist

Permit steps

  1. Buy a saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or a license agent.
  2. Carry it while fishing or gigging.

Frequently asked questions

When is flounder season closed in Florida?

Every year from October 15 through November 30, in both Gulf and Atlantic state waters and adjacent federal waters.

What is the flounder size limit in Florida?

14 inches total length minimum.

How many flounder can I keep?

Five per person per day.

Can I gig flounder in Florida?

Yes. Spears and gigs are legal gear, along with hook and line, seine and cast net. Snatching and multiple hooks with natural bait are prohibited.

Which flounder species do these rules cover?

Gulf, southern, summer and fringed flounder.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

Related guides

Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.