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Gray (mangrove) snapper: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Gray (mangrove) snapper

Gray snapper limit in Florida: state waters on both coasts are 10 inches total length and 5 per person inside the 10-snapper aggregate. Federal waters are 12 inches total length and 10 per person inside that aggregate. The season is open year-round. FWC also calls this fish a mangrove snapper.

Quick answer

State size
10" total length
State bag
5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate
Federal size
12" total length
Federal bag
10 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate
Season
Open year-round
Gray (mangrove) snapper: side view for identification
Gray (mangrove) snapper. 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. Gray snapper are measured in total length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Gray (mangrove) snapper limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
Gulf state10" total length5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregateOpen year-round
Gulf federal12" total length10 per person within the 10 snapper aggregateOpen year-round
Atlantic state10" total length5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregateOpen year-round
Atlantic federal12" total length10 per person within the 10 snapper aggregateOpen year-round

Special regulations apply in Biscayne National Park. Reef fish gear rules apply. The comparison page on this site says gray snapper are not on the State Reef Fish Angler species list.

How do you identify Gray (mangrove) snapper?

Look-alikes

Where and when to catch Gray (mangrove) snapper in Florida?

Gray snapper use coastal waters near reefs, mangroves and seagrass, and juveniles may enter freshwater. They spawn June through August and eat crustaceans and small fish. That habitat is why inshore piers, seawalls and the Keys bridges are relevant places to check access rules. Size and bag limits still follow the coast you are on.

Piers and bridges

Regions

Related rules on this site

Frequently asked questions

What is the mangrove snapper size limit?

10 inches total length in state waters and 12 inches total length in federal waters, on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

What is the mangrove snapper bag limit?

5 per person in state waters and 10 per person in federal waters, both within the 10-snapper aggregate.

Is mangrove snapper open year-round?

Yes. FWC lists gray (mangrove) snapper as open year-round in Gulf and Atlantic state and federal waters.

How do you tell a mangrove snapper from a mutton snapper?

Mangrove snapper are dark brown or gray with red-orange spots and two large upper canines. Mutton snapper are olive above, with a pointed anal fin, a blue line under the eye, and a dark spot just above the lateral line.

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.