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Black grouper: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Black grouper

Black grouper limit in Florida: 24 inches total length. Gulf state waters, excluding Monroe County, are open year-round at 4 per person inside the 4-grouper aggregate. Atlantic waters, including Monroe County, are open May 1 through December 31. The Atlantic bag is 1 gag or black inside the 3-grouper aggregate, with a vessel limit of 2 black grouper.

Quick answer

Size
24" total length
Gulf state
Open year-round. 4 per person within the 4 grouper aggregate. Captain and crew: 0
Gulf federal
Closed Feb. 1–March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms. The Edges closed Jan. 1 – Apr. 30
Atlantic bag
1 gag or black within the 3 grouper aggregate. Vessel limit 2 black per vessel per day
Atlantic season
Open May 1–Dec. 31
Black grouper: side view for identification
Black grouper. Credit: NOAA. 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. Black grouper are measured in total length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Black grouper limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
Gulf state, excluding Monroe County24" total length4 per person within the 4 grouper aggregate. Charter captain and crew: 0Open year-round
Gulf federal, excluding Monroe County24" total length4 per person within the 4 grouper aggregateClosed Feb. 1–March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms. The Edges closed Jan. 1 – Apr. 30
Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters24" total length1 gag or black within the 3 grouper aggregate. Vessel limit 2 black per vessel per day. For-hire captain and crew retention prohibitedOpen May 1–Dec. 31

Monroe County: black grouper are closed January 1 through April 30 in Atlantic state and federal waters, including all state waters off Monroe County on both sides. Special regulations apply in Biscayne National Park. Reef fish gear rules apply. Landed with head and fins intact. State Reef Fish Survey participation is mandatory to fish for grouper.

How do you identify Black grouper?

Look-alikes

Where and when to catch Black grouper in Florida?

Black grouper use coastal waters near structure. Juveniles can be inshore. Adults are on rocky bottoms, reefs and drop-off walls in water over 60 feet, and larger fish are generally deeper. They spawn in winter, eat fish and squid, and start life mostly female before some become male. FWC describes boat fishing with live fish or cut or whole bait near the bottom. Monroe County state waters follow the Atlantic season, not the Gulf year-round season.

Piers and bridges

Regions

Related rules on this site

Frequently asked questions

What is the black grouper size limit?

24 inches total length in Gulf and Atlantic waters.

What is the black grouper bag limit?

Gulf: 4 per person within the 4-grouper aggregate, and in state waters the charter captain and crew bag is zero. Atlantic: 1 gag or black grouper within the 3-grouper aggregate, with a vessel limit of 2 black grouper per vessel per day.

When can you keep black grouper?

Gulf state waters, excluding Monroe County, are open year-round. Gulf federal waters are closed February 1 through March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms, and The Edges are closed January 1 through April 30. Atlantic waters, including Monroe County state waters, are open May 1 through December 31.

How do you tell a black grouper from a gag?

Black grouper have a gently rounded cheek. Gag have a strong serrated spur on the cheek.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

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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.