Florida Keys Guide 2026

Florida Keys Fishing Licenses & Regulations 2026: Complete Guide

Licenses, size limits, bag limits, seasonal closures, species tables, lobster season, and marine sanctuary zones — everything you need to fish legally in Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada.

$17
Shoreline License
$17
Vessel License
8+
Species w/ Closures
2.9M
Sanctuary Acres

Quick Answer: Do I Need a Florida Saltwater Fishing License?

Yes, most anglers need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless fishing from a licensed charter, pier, or under age 16. Shoreline license: $17/year. Vessel license: $17/year. Exceptions: Florida residents 65+, children under 16, fishing from licensed charter boats, or fishing on free fishing days. 2026 Free Fishing Days: Saltwater: June 13–14 & September 5 (Labor Day). Freshwater: April 4–5 & June 13–14.

📑 Table of Contents

ℹ️ License Requirements
📄 License Types & Pricing
✅ Exemptions & Free Days
🐟 Grouper Regulations
🎣 Snapper Regulations
🌊 Pelagic Species
🦞 Lobster Season 2026
🐠 Coastal & Inshore Species
📖 NOAA vs State Regs
⚠️ Report Violations
🔗 Essential Resources
❓ Complete FAQ

Florida Keys Fishing Licenses & Regulations — Complete Guide (2026)

Saltwater Fishing License Requirements

Anyone 16 years or older must have a Florida saltwater fishing license when fishing in state or federal waters, unless exempt. Licenses cover finfish, lobster, and other marine species. Required for both residents and non-residents.

Shoreline vs. Vessel Licenses

Shoreline license: Fishing from land, piers, bridges, jetties. Vessel license: Fishing from boats, kayaks, or floating platforms. Both cost $17/year for residents and non-residents alike.

Seasonal Closures & Size Limits

Many species have seasonal closures to protect spawning populations. Grouper (Jan–Apr in federal waters), Red Snapper (varies), Lobster (Apr–Jul). Always check current FWC regulations before fishing.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers 2.9 million acres around the Keys. Special regulations apply: no-touch zones, marine life protection, anchoring restrictions. National Park passes required for certain areas.

Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses

Shoreline Fishing License

⚠ Required
$17/year

Fishing from land, piers, bridges, jetties

Required for fishing from land, piers, bridges, jetties, and other structures attached to land.

  • Fishing from shore or structures
  • Covers all saltwater finfish
  • Valid in state and federal waters
  • Instant digital license available
Get License →

Vessel Fishing License

⚠ Required
$17/year

Fishing from boats, kayaks, floating platforms

Required for fishing from boats, kayaks, canoes, or any floating platform.

  • Fishing from any watercraft
  • Covers all occupants of vessel
  • Valid in state and federal waters
  • Required for lobster harvesting
Get License →

Lobster Permit (Recreational)

⚠ Required
$17/year

Required in addition to saltwater license

Required in addition to saltwater license for harvesting spiny lobster.

  • Required for lobster harvesting
  • Valid during lobster season
  • Covers recreational limits
  • Must carry while diving
Get License →

Tarpon Tag

✓ Optional
$51.51/year

Required to possess or land a tarpon

Required to possess or land a tarpon. Catch & release allowed without tag.

  • Required to land tarpon
  • Not needed for catch & release
  • One tag per angler
  • Supports tarpon research
Get Tag →

✅ Who is Exempt from Fishing Licenses?

  • Florida residents 65+: Valid Florida driver's license or ID card as proof
  • Children under 16: Both residents and non-residents
  • Licensed charter boats: Passengers covered by vessel license
  • Disabled residents: Certain disability exemptions apply
  • SNAP recipients: Florida residents receiving certain benefits
  • Free fishing days: Saltwater: June 13–14 & Sept 5. Freshwater: Apr 4–5 & June 13–14

📅 2026 Florida Free Fishing Days

🌊 Saltwater Free Fishing Days:

  • June 13–14, 2026 (Second consecutive weekend in June)
  • September 5, 2026 (Labor Day)

🎣 Freshwater Free Fishing Days:

  • April 4–5, 2026 (First consecutive weekend in April)
  • June 13–14, 2026 (Second consecutive weekend in June)

Note: No license required on these days, but all other regulations (size limits, bag limits, seasons) still apply.

💳 How to Purchase Florida Fishing Licenses

🌐 Online (Fastest)

GoOutdoorsFlorida.com — Instant digital license, valid immediately. Print or use mobile app.

📞 By Phone

Call 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356). Credit card payment. License mailed or available for pickup.

🏪 In Person

Select tackle shops in the Keys sell licenses — but not all of them do. Call ahead before making the trip. Sporting goods stores and FWC offices are more reliable.

🐟 Species Size Limits, Bag Limits & Season Dates 2026

🐟 Grouper Fishing Regulations — Florida Keys 2026

State vs Federal waters • Size limits • Bag limits • Seasonal closures

Species Florida State (0–3 mi Atlantic) Federal (3+ mi Atlantic)
Gag Grouper 24" min, 1 per day
Closed: Jan 1 – Apr 30 (Atlantic)		 24" min, 1 per day
Closed: Jan 1 – Apr 30 (Atlantic)
Red Grouper 18" min, 5 per day
Open year-round (state)		 18" min, 1 per day
Closed: Feb 1 – Mar 31
Black Grouper 24" min, 2 per day
Open year-round (state)		 24" min, 1 per day
Closed: Jan 1 – Apr 30
Warsaw Grouper None (no min. size)
Bag limit: 1 per vessel per day
State: Open year-round		 Harvest prohibited
0 bag limit — no possession
Goliath Grouper PROHIBITED — No harvest (both state & federal)
Catch & release only. Limited harvest permit/tag available via lottery.

🎣 Snapper Complex — South Atlantic & Florida State

Species Florida State (0–3 mi Atlantic) Federal (3+ mi Atlantic)
Red Snapper No minimum, 1 per day
Atlantic 2026: Jul 1 – Aug 31 (EFP season)		 16" min, 1 per day
Federal: Very limited (charter only)
Mutton Snapper 18" min, 2 per day
State: Open year-round		 18" min, 1 per day
Federal: Open year-round
Yellowtail Snapper 12" min, 10 per day
State: Open year-round (part of 10 snapper aggregate)		 12" min, 3 per day
Federal: Open year-round

🌊 Pelagic Species — Tuna, Billfish, Dolphin/Mahi

Species Florida State Federal (NOAA)
Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) 20" min, 10 per day
State: Open year-round		 20" min, 10 per day
Federal: Open year-round
Wahoo No minimum size, 2 per day
State: Open year-round		 No minimum size, 2 per day
Federal: Open year-round
King Mackerel 24" min, 3 per day
Closed: Oct 15 – Nov 15		 24" min, 3 per day
Closed: Oct 15 – Nov 15
Tuna (Blackfin) No minimum size
⚠ COMPLEX BAG LIMIT: 2 per person OR 10 per vessel, WHICHEVER IS GREATER
✅ HMS Angling Permit NOT required for Blackfin only
Sailfish Catch & Release or 1/day with tag
State: Open year-round		 Catch & Release or 1/day
Federal: Open year-round

🦞 Florida Keys Lobster Season & Regulations Guide 2026

3"
Min. Carapace
6 fish
Bag Limit/Day
Jul 29–30
Mini-Season 2026
Aug 6
Regular Season Opens

Planning your Florida Keys lobster season? Get expert guidance on the best lobster spots, proven diving techniques, charter bookings, and regulation updates for both the exciting lobster mini-season and the 8-month regular season.

📅 Florida Keys Lobster Season Dates 2026:

  • Mini-season (Sport Season): Last Wed & Thu of July = July 29–30, 2026
  • Regular season opens: August 6, 2026 at 12:01 AM
  • Regular season closes: March 31, 2027 (8-month season)
  • Daily bag limit: 6 lobsters per person in Monroe County & federal waters

📋 Required Lobster Licenses & Equipment:

  • Saltwater fishing license: $17/year (required for all harvesters 16+)
  • Lobster permit: $17/year (required in addition to saltwater license)
  • Measurement gauge: Required to measure carapace in the water
  • Dive flag: Required when diving from boat (12"×15" minimum)

⚠️ Important: Lobster must be landed in whole condition — tailing at sea is prohibited and strictly enforced. Egg-bearing females must be released immediately. Always measure carapace length in the water before harvesting. Violations carry fines up to $500+ per offense. Check current FWC regulations at MyFWC.com before your trip.

🐠 Coastal & Inshore Species — Florida State

Species Size Limit Bag Limit Season
Snook 28–33" slot (Atlantic) 1 per day Closed: Dec 15 – Jan 31 & Jun 1 – Aug 31
Spotted Seatrout 15–20" slot (varies by zone) 6 per day Open year-round
Red Drum (Redfish) 18–27" slot 3 per day Open year-round
Tarpon Catch & Release only 0 (harvest prohibited) Tag required ($51.51) to land
Bonefish Catch & Release only 0 (harvest prohibited) Prohibited in Keys year-round
Permit 24" min 1 per day Open year-round

📖 South Atlantic NOAA (Federal) vs. Florida State Regulations

Critical: Federal (NOAA/South Atlantic) and State (FWC) regulations differ significantly. When fishing in federal waters (3+ miles Atlantic, 9+ miles Gulf), you must follow federal rules — even if state rules are more lenient.

🔵 Florida State Regulations (FWC)

  • More lenient bag limits: Often allows 2–5 fish per day vs. federal 1–2
  • Longer seasons: State seasons typically longer than federal
  • Same size limits: Usually matches federal minimum sizes
  • Only valid in state waters: 0–3 miles (Atlantic), 0–9 miles (Gulf)
View FWC State Regulations →

🔴 Federal Regulations (NOAA/South Atlantic)

  • Stricter bag limits: Typically 1–2 fish per day maximum
  • Seasonal closures: Extended closures for spawning protection
  • Mandatory circle hooks: Required when fishing with live bait in some areas
  • Vessel Monitoring: Some species require electronic reporting
View NOAA Federal Regulations →

⚠️ Report Fishing Violations

If you witness illegal fishing activity — harvesting prohibited species (Warsaw Grouper, Speckled Hind), fishing during closed seasons, or exceeding bag limits — report it to FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program.

📞 FWC Wildlife Alert

1-888-404-FWCC (3922)

24/7 hotline • Anonymous reporting • Reward up to $1,000

Common Violations to Report

  • Prohibited species: Warsaw Grouper, Speckled Hind, Goliath Grouper (without permit)
  • Closed seasons: Fishing for grouper Jan–Apr, Red Snapper out of season
  • Over limits: Keeping fish over bag limits or outside size ranges
  • Sanctuary violations: Anchoring on coral, touching marine life in protected zones

How to Report

  • Call 1-888-404-FWCC (24/7)
  • Report online at MyFWC.com
  • Anonymous reporting available
  • Reward up to $1,000 for information leading to conviction
  • Take photos if safe to do so
  • Note vessel name, registration number, location

❓ Fishing Licenses & Regulations FAQs

Do I need a Florida saltwater fishing license to fish from shore?

Yes, anyone 16 years or older needs a Florida saltwater fishing license to fish from shore, piers, bridges, or jetties in the Florida Keys. Exceptions include Florida residents 65+, children under 16, and those fishing from licensed charter boats. Shoreline licenses cost $17/year.

What fish are in season in the Florida Keys right now (June 2026)?

Currently open in June 2026: Dolphin/Mahi (year-round), Wahoo (year-round), Yellowtail & Mutton Snapper (year-round), Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Permit. Currently closed: Snook (closed Jun 1 – Aug 31), Lobster (opens Jul 29 mini-season). King Mackerel opens year-round except Oct 15 – Nov 15. Always verify current FWC regulations before fishing as seasons change.

Do I need a license to fish from a charter boat in the Florida Keys?

No — passengers fishing from licensed charter boats are covered by the vessel's license. However, if you fish from shore or your own vessel before or after the charter, you'll need a personal license. Always confirm with your charter operator.

What is the penalty for fishing without a license in Florida?

Fishing without a license is a noncriminal infraction with a $50–100 fine plus court costs. Repeat offenses carry higher penalties. Fishing during closed seasons or exceeding bag/size limits can result in $500–$5,000+ fines and equipment confiscation.

Where can I buy a Florida fishing license in the Keys?

The easiest and most reliable way is online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com (instant digital license) or by phone at 888-347-4356. In person, select tackle shops in the Florida Keys sell licenses — but not all of them do. If you plan to buy in person at a local bait or tackle shop, call ahead first to confirm they sell licenses before making the trip.

What is the difference between state and federal fishing regulations?

State regulations (FWC) apply in state waters (0–3 miles Atlantic, 0–9 miles Gulf). Federal regulations (NOAA) apply in federal waters (3+ miles Atlantic, 9+ miles Gulf). Federal rules are typically stricter with shorter seasons and lower bag limits. When in federal waters, you must follow federal regulations even if you return to state waters with your catch.

Regulations change frequently — always verify current rules at MyFWC.com before fishing.

© 2026 Upper Keys Fishing Licenses & Regulations Guide — Your trusted resource for legal fishing in Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada