Florida redfish (red drum) limits by region
Redfish limit in Florida: the slot is 18 to 27 inches total length and the bag limit is 1 red drum per person per day in every region that allows harvest. Vessel limits are 4 in the Panhandle, Big Bend and Northeast and 2 elsewhere. The Indian River Lagoon is catch-and-release only.
Quick answer
- Status
- Open year-round; Indian River Lagoon catch-and-release only
- Size
- 18–27" total length
- Bag limit
- 1 per person per day; vessel limit 2 or 4 by region
- Permits
- Saltwater fishing license (unless exempt)
Red drum regulations by region
| Region | Season | Slot | Bag | Vessel limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panhandle | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 4 |
| Big Bend | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 4 |
| Tampa Bay | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 2 |
| Sarasota Bay | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 2 |
| Charlotte Harbor | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 2 |
| Southwest | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 2 |
| Southeast | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 2 |
| Indian River Lagoon | Catch-and-release only | n/a | 0 | 0 |
| Northeast | Year-round | 18–27" | 1 | 4 |
Don't get ticketed: checklist
- Measure total length: 18" to 27" only.
- Know the vessel limit in your region (2 or 4).
- No harvest at all in the Indian River Lagoon.
- 4-fish per person transport limit when traveling by vehicle away from a fishing site.
- Bag limits apply on docks and in parking lots next to fishing sites.
- No spearing, gigging, bowfishing or snatch hooking. No multiple hooks with natural bait.
- Keep fish whole until landed. Captain and crew on for-hire trips may not keep a bag limit.
Permit steps
- Buy a saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or a license agent.
- Confirm your region on the FWC red drum page.
- Carry your license while fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the redfish bag limit in Florida?
One red drum per person per day in every region that allows harvest. Vessel limits are 4 in the Panhandle, Big Bend and Northeast, and 2 in Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest and Southeast. The Indian River Lagoon is catch-and-release only.
What is the redfish slot limit in Florida?
Not less than 18 inches and not more than 27 inches total length.
Can I keep redfish in the Indian River Lagoon?
No. The Indian River Lagoon Region, from Lytle Avenue/South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach to the Martin–Palm Beach county line, is catch-and-release only.
Is the Northeast redfish limit 2 per person?
No. The Northeast Region allows 1 fish per person per day with a 4-fish vessel limit.
Is there a closed season for redfish?
No. Regions that allow harvest are open year-round.
Official sources
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