The 2025-2026 recreational flounder harvest season opens today in all Florida state and federal waters. The season had been closed since October 15 to protect spawning aggregations. Current regulations, unchanged from recent years, are as follows:
- Minimum size limit: 14 inches total length
- Daily bag limit: 5 fish per person
- Applies to Gulf flounder, Southern flounder, summer flounder, and fringed flounder
- Rules are the same in state waters (0-3 nautical miles Atlantic, 0-9 nautical miles Gulf) and federal waters (EEZ)
The October 15–November 30 closure was established in 2021 after stock assessments showed declines, particularly along the Atlantic coast. The higher size limit and reduced bag limit (previously 12 inches and 10 fish) were implemented at the same time to reduce harvest pressure and allow more fish to spawn. Legal harvest methods include hook-and-line, gig, spear, cast net, and beach or haul seine. Use of multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait and snatching is prohibited. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older, unless fishing from a vessel with a valid for-hire license that covers all passengers. Captains and crew on for-hire trips may not retain flounder.
2025-2026 Recreational Flounder Regulations
Season open: Dec 1 – Oct 14 (closed Oct 15–Nov 30 annually
)Minimum size: 14 inches total length
Bag limit: 5 per person per day
Vessel limit: (private angler)None
Vessel limit: (for-hire, captain & crew)0
Legal gear: Hook-and-line, gig, spear, cast net, seine
Applies: State and federal waters off Florida
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (MyFWC.com/Marine)Flounder are commonly found near structure: docks, bridges, channel edges, oyster bars, and grass-flat drop-offs. Outgoing tides in December often concentrate fish near inlets and passes.For current regulations and to purchase a license, visit MyFWC.com or use the Fish Rules mobile app.