The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is opening applications for the 2025 limited recreational harvest season of goliath grouper in state waters. Interested parties can apply from October 1 to October 15, 2024, for this unique opportunity.
The initiative is a result of conservation efforts by state and federal agencies over the past thirty years that have helped rebuild the goliath grouper population. Participation permits will be distributed through a random draw lottery. The application fee is $10 plus additional fees, and applications are available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
The harvest details include:
- A total recreational harvest limit of up to 200 goliath groupers per year, with no more than 50 from Everglades National Park.
- Participants need a goliath harvest permit and tag, obtained via the lottery ($150 for residents, $500 for non-residents, plus fees). These permits and tags are non-transferable.
- Each person is limited to one fish per open season with the required permit and tag.
- The open season runs from March 1 through May 31.
- Only hook-and-line gear is allowed.
- A slot limit of 24-36 inches total length applies.
- Post-harvest requirements include proper tagging, reporting harvest data, and submitting a fin clip for genetic analysis.
Harvesting will be permitted in all state waters except certain areas including Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Harvest remains prohibited in federal waters.
This initiative aims to provide additional access while balancing stakeholder values. Adult goliath grouper remain protected statewide as well as those in dive ecotourism areas. This limited harvest does not address fishing depredation concerns.
For further information on permits and eligibility requirements visit the Goliath Grouper Harvest Permit webpage or MyFWC.com/Marine under “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish,” and “Goliath Grouper.”