Several fish species are now open for recreational harvest in Florida’s state waters of the Atlantic, beginning May 1, 2025, according to the latest announcements. The list includes greater amberjack and red porgy, which are available in all Florida state waters of the Atlantic.
Additionally, blueline tilefish and several groupers, namely gag, black, red, yellowmouth, and yellowfin grouper, along with species like scamp, snowy, red hind, rock hind, coney, and graysby, can be fished in all Florida state waters of the Atlantic and Monroe County.
Hogfish, another species of interest, is open for recreational harvest in all state waters on Florida’s east coast and all waters south of Cape Sable, inclusive of the Florida Keys.
For more details on fishing seasons, as well as bag and size limits and gear restrictions, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directs anglers to MyFWC.com/Marine, where the section “Recreational Regulations” provides pertinent information. Recreational fishers can also utilize the Fish Rules App available on Instagram and Facebook for guidance.
The FWC emphasizes their continuous efforts to gather essential information concerning recreational fishing activities. “The State Reef Fish Survey provides the FWC with a clearer picture of stock health,” notes the FWC. They encourage all recreational anglers and spearfishers interested in reef fish species to register as a State Reef Fish Angler, a necessary step for fishing from a private vessel in Florida waters. More information on this requirement can be found at MyFWC.com/SRFS.
