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King mackerel: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: King mackerel (kingfish)

King mackerel limit in Florida: 24 inches fork length. Gulf state waters and Monroe County allow 3 per harvester. Atlantic state waters, excluding Monroe County, allow 2 per harvester. Both are open year-round. Legal gear is hook and line and spearing only. Port meetings may change future management.

Quick answer

Rules in flux
SAFMC port meetings under way that may affect future king/Spanish mackerel management.
Size
24" fork length
Gulf and Monroe County
3 per harvester, open year-round
Atlantic, except Monroe County
2 per harvester, open year-round
Gear
Hook and line and spearing only
King mackerel: side view for identification
King mackerel (kingfish). Credit: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. 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. King mackerel are measured in fork length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

King mackerel (kingfish) limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
Gulf state waters and Monroe County24" fork length3 per harvesterOpen year-round
Atlantic state waters, excluding Monroe County24" fork length2 per harvesterOpen year-round

FWC says the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting port meetings on king and Spanish mackerel, and that input from those meetings will affect future management.

Rules in flux. SAFMC port meetings under way that may affect future king/Spanish mackerel management.

How do you identify King mackerel (kingfish)?

Look-alikes

Where and when to catch King mackerel (kingfish) in Florida?

King mackerel range from coastal to offshore water, often around piers, and occasionally in deep water. They school and migrate from south Florida in winter northward in spring, and they spawn offshore in midsummer. They eat mainly fish. FWC lists pogies, herring, Spanish sardine, ballyhoo and mullet, plus flashy subsurface lures or large plugs. Beach and pass piers are part of the habitat FWC names.

Piers and bridges

Regions

Frequently asked questions

What is the king mackerel size limit?

24 inches fork length in Gulf state waters, Monroe County and Atlantic state waters.

What is the king mackerel bag limit?

3 per harvester in Gulf state waters and Monroe County. 2 per harvester in Atlantic state waters excluding Monroe County.

Is king mackerel open year-round?

Yes. FWC lists both the Gulf-and-Monroe area and the Atlantic state waters as open year-round.

How do you tell a king mackerel from a Spanish mackerel?

Adult king mackerel have no spots, no dark blotch on the front of the first dorsal fin, and a lateral line that drops sharply. Spanish mackerel have golden spots, a dorsal blotch, and a gently sloping lateral line.

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.