Florida spotted seatrout regions 2026: limits by region

As of / last verified: October 14, 2026 against official sources · Source: FWC: Spotted Seatrout regulations

Spotted seatrout limit in Florida: the slot is 15 to 19 inches total length statewide. The bag limit is 3 per person in most regions, 5 in the Big Bend and 2 in the Indian River Lagoon. One over-slot fish per vessel is allowed except in the Indian River Lagoon and Northeast regions.

Quick answer

Status (Oct 14, 2026): Open in all 9 regions. Indian River Lagoon closes Nov 1.
Size: 15–19" total length, statewide
Bag limit: 3 per person in most regions; Big Bend 5; Indian River Lagoon 2
Over-slot fish: 1 per vessel (or per person from shore) except in Indian River Lagoon and Northeast
Permits: Florida saltwater fishing license (unless exempt)

FWC adopted a new regional approach for spotted seatrout in February 2026. The rules took effect on April 1, 2026. They split the state into nine regions, up from five. The slot is the same everywhere. Seasons, bag limits and the over-slot allowance differ by region.

Spotted seatrout: side view for identification — Spotted seatrout. Bold black spots reach the dorsal fins and tail. Illustration: Duane Raver/USFWS. Public domain

Measure in a straight line with the fish on its side; don't follow its curve. Seatrout use total length: 15–19 in slot. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Seatrout limits by region (recreational)

Region	Approx. boundaries	Season	Slot	Bag / person / day	Over-slot
Panhandle	AL line to Alligator Point (84°20.800′W), Franklin Co.	Closed Feb; open Mar 1–Jan 31	15–19"	3	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Big Bend	Alligator Point to Fred Howard Park Causeway (28°09.350′N)	Year-round	15–19"	5	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Tampa Bay	Fred Howard Park to SR 64 (Manatee Co.)	Year-round	15–19"	3	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Sarasota Bay	SR 64 to 27°04.727′N (near Venice)	Year-round	15–19"	3	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Charlotte Harbor	27°04.727′N to 26°15.227′N (Collier Co.)	Year-round	15–19"	3	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Southwest	South of 26°15.227′N, all of Monroe Co. & Everglades NP	Year-round	15–19"	3	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Southeast	Martin–Palm Beach line to Miami-Dade/Monroe line	Year-round	15–19"	3	1 fish over 19" per vessel (or per person from shore), counts in bag
Indian River Lagoon	29°01.755′N (Volusia Co.) to Martin–Palm Beach line	Closed Nov 1–Dec 31	15–19"	2	None: no fish over 19"
Northeast	GA line to the Indian River Lagoon Region	Year-round	15–19"	3	None: no fish over 19"

Boundaries are simplified. Check FWC's region descriptions and map for exact lines, rivers and inland waters.

Don't get ticketed: checklist

Measure total length: 15" minimum, 19" maximum.
Know which region you're in: the Venice line (27°04.727′N) and the SR 64 line in Manatee County are easy to miss.
In the Northeast and Indian River Lagoon regions, release every fish over 19".
Elsewhere, only one over-slot fish per boat, and it counts toward someone's bag.
Keep fish whole until landed ashore.
Captain and crew on a for-hire trip may not keep a bag limit.
No multiple hooks with natural bait; no snatching.

Permit steps

Check if you're exempt (for example, under 16, or a Florida resident 65+). Otherwise buy a Florida saltwater fishing license at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by phone at 1-888-347-4356, or at a license agent.
Confirm your region and its season on the FWC seatrout page.
Carry your license (paper or the Fish|Hunt FL app) while fishing.

Frequently asked questions

How many spotted seatrout management regions does Florida have in 2026?

Nine. FWC replaced the old five-region system with nine regions (Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast). The new rules took effect April 1, 2026.

What is the seatrout slot limit in Florida?

Every region uses the same slot: not less than 15 inches and not more than 19 inches total length. In seven regions you may keep one fish over 19 inches per vessel (or per person from shore) as part of the bag limit; the Indian River Lagoon and Northeast regions allow no fish over 19 inches.

Which region has the highest seatrout bag limit?

The Big Bend Region, at five fish per person per day. Indian River Lagoon is lowest at two. All other regions are three.

When is seatrout season closed?

The Panhandle Region is closed during February and the Indian River Lagoon Region is closed November 1 through December 31. The other seven regions are open year-round.

Can I use a cast net for seatrout?

Yes. FWC lists hook and line and cast net as allowable gear. You may not use multiple hooks together with live or dead natural bait, and snatching is prohibited.

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.