Red grouper in Florida
Best waters and rules for red grouper.
- 42.25 lbrecord
Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC, Public domain
Fishing for Red grouper in Florida
Red grouper (Epinephelus morio) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record red grouper weighed 42.25 pounds (St. Augustine Inlet, 1997).
About red grouper
Red grouper habitat
“Bottom-dwelling fish found over hard and muddy bottoms.”
“Juveniles found offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old.”
“Fish from 1 to 6 years occupy nearshore reefs.”
Spawning and feeding, red grouper
“Spawn in April and May.”
“Prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F.”
“Like many other grouper, red grouper undergo a sex reversal, young individual females becoming males as they age.”
“Lifespan of at least 25 years.”
“Feed on a variety of fishes and invertebrates.”
Seasons for red grouper
“Spawn in April and May.”
“Prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida red grouper limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf | 2 a day | 20 in minimum | State: open year-round |
| Atlantic (incl. Monroe County) | 3 a day | 20 in minimum | Open May 1 – Dec. 31 |
2 per person within the 4 grouper aggregate. Federal waters closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms; "The Edges" closed Jan. 1 – April 30.
Up to 3 per person within 3 grouper aggregate.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record red grouper
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 42.25 | St. Augustine Inlet | 1997 |
| Fly | 23.5 | Sebastian | 2005 |
| Youth |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for red grouper
Start with these reef counties for red 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
Before you target red grouper
What is the bag limit on red grouper?
2 a day (Gulf), size: 20 in minimum.
How big is the Florida record red grouper?
It went 42.25 pounds, set in 1997.
Where are the best places to catch red grouper in Florida?
See the bays and reef counties listed for red grouper above.
Do hatcheries raise red grouper?
FWC reports show no red grouper stocking lately.
Can I get a Big Catch certificate for red grouper?
No Big Catch size is listed for red grouper.
How are red grouper classified?
Epinephelus morio.
What license covers red grouper?
Yes, unless exempt; buy the saltwater license.
Is there a closed season for red grouper?
Yes: Open May 1 – Dec. 31.
Where do the red grouper numbers come from?
FWC rules and records, checked October 2026.