Mutton snapper in Florida
Florida mutton snapper: limits, records and waters.
- 30.25 lbrecord
Photo: NOAA Photo Library, Public domain
Catching Mutton snapper in Florida
Mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record mutton snapper weighed 30.25 pounds (Dry Tortugas, 1998).
FWC on mutton snapper
Where mutton snapper live
“Coastal waters near structure.”
Mutton snapper behavior
“Spawn in July and August.”
“Feed on fish, crustaceans, and snails.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida mutton snapper limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf and Atlantic | 5 a day | 18 in minimum | Open year-round |
5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record mutton snapper
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 30.25 | Dry Tortugas | 1998 |
| Fly | 17 | Key West | 1990 |
| Youth | 15.7 | Jupiter | 2025 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for mutton snapper
Reef-rich counties for mutton snapper.
- 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
Florida mutton snapper: common questions
How many mutton snapper can I keep in Florida?
5 a day (Gulf and Atlantic), size: 18 in minimum.
What is the Florida state record mutton snapper?
30.25 pounds, caught in 1998.
What lakes have mutton snapper?
The lists above show where mutton snapper are caught.
Has Florida stocked mutton snapper?
No recent FWC stocking of mutton snapper is listed.
What is the Big Catch minimum for mutton snapper?
FWC lists no Big Catch minimum for mutton snapper.
What is the Latin name for mutton snapper?
Lutjanus analis.
Do I need a license to catch mutton snapper?
Anglers 16 and up need a saltwater license unless exempt.
Does mutton snapper season ever close?
No closed season is listed for mutton snapper.
Who sets the mutton snapper rules?
FWC species profiles, regulations, state records and stocking reports.