Florida Fishing Regulations

The Regulations explain size and bag limits, how to measure your catch, handling guidelines, fish identification, and a great deal more that you will want to familiarize yourself with.

Most all of the water areas in and around St. Augustine are saltwater and that requires a Florida Saltwater Fishing License. That being said, Florida fishing license regulations are based on the species of fish you catch not where you are fishing.

You will need either a saltwater license, fresh water license, or combination. Learn how to purchase your Florida Fishing License Online.

Florida fishing regulations can be a bit murky in this area. Some of the estuaries contain both freshwater and saltwater which of course means you may catch either freshwater or saltwater fish.

Fishing poles in the sand at sunset,
St. Augustine Beach, Florida

A brief interpretation of the rule is this:

• You must have a freshwater, saltwater or combination license.



• Your license should be specific (freshwater or saltwater) to the gear you are using.



• You must immediately release any fish that you are not licensed to catch. For example if you have a freshwater license and happen to land a saltwater species you must release it immediately.

For more information on obtaining a Florida Fishing license click here.

Basic Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations

This is a brief overview of the top 5 species caught in this area.

Size and Bag Limits

• Redfish - not less than 18" or more than 27"; 1 per day.
• Spotted Sea Trout - not less than 15" or more than 20"; 5 per day (NE Region).
• Flounder - 12"; 10 per day.
• Tarpon - 2 fish possession limit; need tarpon tag.
• Sheepshead - minimum 12"; 15 per day.
• Black Drum - not less than 14" or more than 24"; 5 per day.

Recreation Gear Regulations

• Gear must be tended at all times.
• Gear should be specific to the license you have.
• It is against the law to intentionally discard any monofilament netting or line into the water.
• Nets that may be used include; Frame nets no greater than 16'in diameter, hand held or dip nets no greater than 96", cast nets not greater than 14' stretched.
• Explosives, firearms, powerheads and chemicals are strictly prohibited in Florida waters.

How to Measure Fish

Either fork length or total length is used by the FWC to measure fish. Each of our top 5 species are measured using total length. Total length is measured from the most forward point of the head, with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail squeezed.

• Redfish - Total length
• Spotted Sea Trout - Total length
• Flounder - Total length
• Sheepshead - Total length
• Black Drum - Total length

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must personally read and thoroughly understand our Florida Fishing Regulations and Florida fishing laws which can be found in their entirety by clicking the links below. The information contained on this page is a very brief overview and by no means is to be taken as the final word.

Complete Florida Fishing Regulations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Website

For further information please visit the Florida Wildlife Commission website. Make sure you know the Florida fishing laws.

How about sharing your "fish story"?

We'd like to know what you've caught in the local waters. Just fill out this short form. You can even add a picture. Then, we'll take it from there and get your story and photo up on the web for the entire world to see.

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St. Augustine, Florida