Gag grouper in Florida
Florida gag grouper: limits, records and waters.
- 80.38 lbrecord
Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC., Public domain
Florida Gag grouper guide
Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record gag grouper weighed 80.38 pounds (Destin, 1993).
FWC on gag grouper
Where gag grouper live
“Coastal waters near structure such as rocky bottoms, reefs and drop-off walls in water over 60 feet deep.”
“Juveniles found in estuaries and seagrass beds”
Gag grouper behavior
“Born as females but can later become male.”
“Gag and red grouper are the most widely distributed of the Florida groupers.”
“Goliath and Nassau grouper are protected from harvest in Florida waters.”
“Spawn between January and May with some of the more tropical species spawning year-round.”
“Feed on fishes and invertebrates.”
Seasons for gag grouper
“Spawn between January and May with some of the more tropical species spawning year-round.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida gag grouper limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf | 2 a day | 24 in minimum | Open September 1-30, 2026 |
| Atlantic (incl. Monroe County) | 1 a day | 24 in minimum | Open May 1 – August 1 |
Gulf state and federal waters excluding Monroe County state waters. 2 per person within 4 grouper aggregate; 0 for charter captain and crew. FWC executive order set the 2026 season to Sept 1-30; harvest closed Oct. 1 for the remainder of the year. State Reef Fish Angler designation required.
Atlantic state and federal waters including all Monroe County state waters. 1 gag or black within the 3 grouper aggregate; vessel limit 2 gag per vessel per day; for-hire captain and crew retention prohibited. FWC executive order closed Atlantic state waters starting August 2.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record gag grouper
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 80.38 | Destin | 1993 |
| Fly | 20.94 | Ft. Pierce | 2005 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for gag grouper
Reef-rich counties for gag grouper.
- Bay County615 reef deployments
- Escambia County496 reef deployments
- Okaloosa County488 reef deployments
- Pinellas County367 reef deployments
- Miami-Dade County277 reef deployments
- Sarasota County261 reef deployments
- Volusia County191 reef deployments
- Palm Beach County154 reef deployments
- Lee County136 reef deployments
- Broward County128 reef deployments
- Collier County121 reef deployments
- Martin County121 reef deployments
- Duval County107 reef deployments
- Manatee County106 reef deployments
- St. Lucie County92 reef deployments
Other Florida saltwater fish
What anglers ask about gag grouper
How many gag grouper can I keep in Florida?
2 a day (Gulf), size: 24 in minimum.
What is the Florida state record gag grouper?
The record weighed 80.38 pounds (1993).
What lakes have gag grouper?
Use the bay and county lists above to find gag grouper.
Has Florida stocked gag grouper?
Not in the 2021-22 to 2023-24 reports for gag grouper.
What is the Big Catch minimum for gag grouper?
gag grouper are not in the Big Catch program.
What is the Latin name for gag grouper?
Mycteroperca microlepis.
Do I need a license to catch gag grouper?
Anglers 16 and up need a saltwater license unless exempt.
Does gag grouper season ever close?
Yes: Open September 1-30, 2026.
Who sets the gag grouper rules?
FWC species profiles, regulations, state records and stocking reports.