What to catch in Florida in December

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

December in Florida: 10 seasonal areas are open on at least one day, and 5 are closed the whole month. Opening: Red snapper, Flounder (southern/Gulf). Closing: Common snook, Red grouper, Black grouper. Dated seasons this month: Red snapper. Tarpon and bonefish are catch-and-release only. Year-round species are grouped in one list below.

Quick answer

Seasonal areas open at least one day: 10
Closed all month: 5
Opening this month: 2
Closing this month: 5
Check dates: 11

These lists are read from the season column on each species page. Year-specific dates keep the year printed there. A season line that is not a simple range is under check dates, with that exact text.

Open this month

A parsed season has at least one open day, including a year-specific date when the species page gives one.

Common snook — Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast. open December 1–14. Season text: Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31
Spotted seatrout — Panhandle. open every day of December. Season text: Closed in February. Open March 1 – Jan. 31
Red grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters. open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31
Black grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters. open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31
Red snapper — Gulf state and federal, private recreational vessels. open December 5–6, December 12–13, December 19–20, December 25–27 2026. Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily)
Permit — Special Permit Zone, state and adjacent federal waters. open every day of December. Season text: Closed April 1–July 31
Flounder (southern/Gulf) — Gulf and Atlantic state waters, and federal waters off Florida. open every day of December. Season text: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30
Greater amberjack — Atlantic state and federal. open every day of December. Season text: January–March and May–December. Closed April
Gray triggerfish — Gulf state waters. open every day of December. Season text: Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31
Spiny lobster — Regular season. open every day of December. Season text: Aug. 6–March 31

Closed all month

A parsed season has no open day this month.

Common snook — Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay. closed every day of December. Season text: Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31
Common snook — Charlotte Harbor, Southwest. closed every day of December. Season text: Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – September 30
Spotted seatrout — Indian River Lagoon. closed every day of December. Season text: Closed November 1 – December 31. Open Jan. 1 – Oct. 31
Gag grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including all state waters of Monroe County. closed every day of December. Season text: State and federal: open May 1 – August 1. Executive order closes Atlantic state waters starting August 2
Hogfish — Atlantic state waters, including state and federal waters south of Cape Sable and the Florida Keys, Atlantic federal waters. closed every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Oct. 31

Opening this month

A parsed open window starts during this month.

Red snapper — Gulf state and federal, private recreational vessels. open December 5–6, December 12–13, December 19–20, December 25–27 2026. Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily)
Flounder (southern/Gulf) — Gulf and Atlantic state waters, and federal waters off Florida. open every day of December. Season text: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30

Closing this month

A parsed open window ends during this month.

Common snook — Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast. open December 1–14. Season text: Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31
Red grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters. open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31
Black grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters. open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31
Red snapper — Gulf state and federal, private recreational vessels. open December 5–6, December 12–13, December 19–20, December 25–27 2026. Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily)
Gray triggerfish — Gulf state waters. open every day of December. Season text: Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31

Other dated seasons

These year-specific seasons do not open during December. The year is the one printed on the species page.

Gag grouper — Gulf state and federal, excluding all state waters of Monroe County. Season text: Open September 1-30, 2026. Closed October 1 for the remainder of the year
Red snapper — Atlantic state, Atlantic federal. Season text: October 9-22, 2026. FWC's page labels it Closed (Opening October 9-22)
Greater amberjack — Gulf state and federal. Season text: Open September 1 – October 13, 2026
Spiny lobster — Sport season. Season text: July 28-29, 2027 (last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July)

Year-round

Open year-round in every area on the species page.

Year-round in these areas only

Red drum (redfish) — Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast. Open year-round.
Spotted seatrout — Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast. Open year-round.
Red grouper — Gulf state, excluding Monroe County. Open year-round.
Black grouper — Gulf state, excluding Monroe County. Open year-round.
Permit — All other state and federal waters outside the SPZ. Open year-round.
Gray triggerfish — Atlantic state waters. Open year-round.
Hogfish — Gulf state waters, Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable. Open year-round.

Catch-and-release only

Red drum (redfish) — Indian River Lagoon. Catch-and-release only
Tarpon — Gulf and Atlantic, state and federal. Not listed as a closed season
Bonefish — Florida. Catch-and-release. Keys season in the biology text: year-round, peak generally March through October

Check dates

The season text below is copied as written because it is not a single open or closed range.

Red grouper — Gulf federal, excluding Monroe County. Season text: Closed Feb. 1–March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms. The Edges closed Jan. 1 – April 30
Black grouper — Gulf federal, excluding Monroe County. Season text: Closed Feb. 1–March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms. The Edges closed Jan. 1 – Apr. 30
Red snapper — Gulf state waters, charter for-hire without a federal permit. Season text: Limited to the same recreational season, in Florida Gulf state waters only
Cobia — Gulf and Atlantic state waters, Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. Season text: Not listed
Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) — Gulf state waters, Atlantic state waters, private recreational, Atlantic state waters, for-hire recreational. Season text: Not listed
Greater amberjack — Lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish, Atlantic and Gulf state waters. Season text: Not listed
Greater amberjack — Almaco jack. Season text: Not listed
Gray triggerfish — Gulf federal waters. Season text: Opens annually March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1–Dec. 31 (the page says potential early quote closures)
Gray triggerfish — Atlantic federal waters. Season text: Not separately listed beyond the Atlantic state season
Bluefish — Atlantic state waters, Atlantic federal waters, Gulf state and federal waters. Season text: Not listed
Black sea bass — Gulf state waters, Atlantic state waters, Atlantic federal waters. Season text: Not listed

November · All months · January

Frequently asked questions

What is open in December?

Common snook — Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast: open December 1–14. Season text: Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31 Season text: Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31 Spotted seatrout — Panhandle: open every day of December. Season text: Closed in February. Open March 1 – Jan. 31 Season text: Closed in February. Open March 1 – Jan. 31 Red grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters: open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Black grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters: open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Red snapper — Gulf state and federal, private recreational vessels: open December 5–6, December 12–13, December 19–20, December 25–27 2026. Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily) Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily) Permit — Special Permit Zone, state and adjacent federal waters: open every day of December. Season text: Closed April 1–July 31 Season text: Closed April 1–July 31 Flounder (southern/Gulf) — Gulf and Atlantic state waters, and federal waters off Florida: open every day of December. Season text: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 Season text: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 Greater amberjack — Atlantic state and federal: open every day of December. Season text: January–March and May–December. Closed April Season text: January–March and May–December. Closed April Gray triggerfish — Gulf state waters: open every day of December. Season text: Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31 Season text: Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31 Spiny lobster — Regular season: open every day of December. Season text: Aug. 6–March 31 Season text: Aug. 6–March 31

What is closed for all of December?

Common snook — Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay: closed every day of December. Season text: Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31 Season text: Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31 Common snook — Charlotte Harbor, Southwest: closed every day of December. Season text: Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – September 30 Season text: Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – September 30 Spotted seatrout — Indian River Lagoon: closed every day of December. Season text: Closed November 1 – December 31. Open Jan. 1 – Oct. 31 Season text: Closed November 1 – December 31. Open Jan. 1 – Oct. 31 Gag grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including all state waters of Monroe County: closed every day of December. Season text: State and federal: open May 1 – August 1. Executive order closes Atlantic state waters starting August 2 Season text: State and federal: open May 1 – August 1. Executive order closes Atlantic state waters starting August 2 Hogfish — Atlantic state waters, including state and federal waters south of Cape Sable and the Florida Keys, Atlantic federal waters: closed every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Oct. 31 Season text: Open May 1–Oct. 31

What opens during December?

Red snapper — Gulf state and federal, private recreational vessels: open December 5–6, December 12–13, December 19–20, December 25–27 2026. Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily) Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily) Flounder (southern/Gulf) — Gulf and Atlantic state waters, and federal waters off Florida: open every day of December. Season text: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 Season text: Closed annually from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30

What closes during December?

Common snook — Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast: open December 1–14. Season text: Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31 Season text: Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31 Red grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters: open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Black grouper — Atlantic state and federal, including Monroe County state waters: open every day of December. Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Season text: Open May 1–Dec. 31 Red snapper — Gulf state and federal, private recreational vessels: open December 5–6, December 12–13, December 19–20, December 25–27 2026. Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily) Season text: 2026 summer: May 22 – July 31 (daily). Fall: Sep. 1 – Oct. 4 (daily); Oct. 9 – 22 (daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., and Sun.); Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (Sat. and Sun.); Nov. 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (Sat. and Sun.); Dec. 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 – 4, 2027 (daily) Gray triggerfish — Gulf state waters: open every day of December. Season text: Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31 Season text: Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31

Which year-specific dates fall in December?

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.