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Florida Redfish fishingof anglers to its coastal waters annually. As one of the most prized inshore gamefish, understanding current regulations and licensing requirements is essential for a successful-and legal-fishing experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Florida redfish fishing in 2025, from obtaining the proper license to understanding regional regulations.
Florida Fishing License Requirements for Redfish
Before targeting redfish in Florida waters, you’ll need to secure the appropriate fishing license. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) oversees all licensing to protect marine resources while providing sustainable recreational opportunities.
Who Needs a License
- Florida residents ages 16-64
- All non-residents 16 and older
- Anyone fishing from a boat or shore
Fishing without a proper license can result in significant penalties, including fines starting at $50 and potential court appearances.
License Exemptions
Florida offers several exemptions from standard licensing requirements:
- Florida residents 65 years and older with proof of age and residency
- Children under 16 years old (both residents and non-residents)
- Anglers fishing from a licensed charter, pier, or boat rental that holds a valid commercial license
- Persons with qualifying disabilities who have proper certification
- Active-duty military Florida residents while home on leave
For complete details on exemptions, visit our guide on Florida Fishing License Exemptions.
License Types and Costs (2025)
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Saltwater | $17.00 | $47.00 |
| 5-Year Saltwater | $79.00 | Not Available |
| 3-Day Saltwater | N/A | $17.00 |
| 7-Day Saltwater | N/A | $30.00 |
| Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Combo | $32.50 | $48.00 |
| Shoreline Only (Saltwater) | Free (requires registration) | Not Available |
For differences between saltwater and freshwater licenses, see our article on Saltwater vs. Freshwater Fishing Licenses in Florida.
How to Purchase Your License
Florida offers multiple convenient options for obtaining your fishing license:
- Online: Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- By Phone: Call 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356)
- In Person: Available at tackle shops, Walmart, and tax collector offices
- Mobile App: Download the Fish|Hunt FL app on iOS or Android
For information on license renewal, check our guide on How to Renew Your Florida Fishing License.
Florida Redfish Management Regions
As of 2025, the FWC manages redfish through nine distinct regions, each with specific regulations. This regionalized approach helps address local environmental conditions and fishing pressure.
The Nine Redfish Management Regions
- Panhandle Region: From the Florida-Alabama border east to Mexico Beach
- Big Bend Region: From Mexico Beach southeast to the Anclote River
- Tampa Bay Region: From the Anclote River south to Venice
- Sarasota Bay Region: From Venice south to Gasparilla Sound
- Charlotte Harbor Region: From Gasparilla Sound south to Bonita Beach
- Southwest Region: From Bonita Beach southeast to Card Sound
- Southeast Region: From Card Sound north to Jupiter Inlet
- Indian River Lagoon Region: The entirety of the Indian River Lagoon system
- Northeast Region: From Jupiter Inlet north to the Florida-Georgia border
This regional management structure allows the FWC to implement targeted conservation measures based on local ecosystem health, fishing pressure, and redfish population status.
GPS Hotspot Coordinates
| Location | Coordinates | Best Tide |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Flats | 27°45’50″N 82°32’30″W | High |
| Mosquito Lagoon | 28°44’17″N 80°47’35″W | Incoming |
| Apalachicola Bay | 29°43’45″N 85°01’20″W | Low |
Redfish Size and Bag Limits (2025)
Slot Limit Explained
Florida maintains a slot limit of 18-27 inches total length for redfish across all regions. This regulation protects both juvenile fish and larger breeding adults, ensuring sustainable reproduction.
Measuring a redfish properly:
- Measure from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with the fish laid flat
- Pinch the tail fin together when measuring
- Always use a measuring device designed for fishing
Regional Bag and Vessel Limits
| Region | Daily Bag Limit | Vessel Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Panhandle | 1 fish per person | 4 fish maximum |
| Big Bend | 1 fish per person | 4 fish maximum |
| Northeast | 1 fish per person | 4 fish maximum |
| Tampa Bay | 1 fish per person | 2 fish maximum |
| Sarasota Bay | 1 fish per person | 2 fish maximum |
| Charlotte Harbor | 1 fish per person | 2 fish maximum |
| Southwest | 1 fish per person | 2 fish maximum |
| Southeast | 1 fish per person | 2 fish maximum |
| Indian River Lagoon | Catch & Release Only | N/A |
Important 2025 Regulation Updates:
- The off-the-water transport limit is set at 4 redfish per person
- Charter captains and crew members are prohibited from retaining bag limits during guided trips
- Commercial harvest remains prohibited statewide
Redfish Seasons in Florida (2025)
Unlike many other game fish, redfish can be legally targeted year-round in most Florida waters. The Indian River Lagoon region remains the exception, where only catch-and-release fishing is permitted.
Peak Fishing Months by Region
| Region | Peak Fishing Months |
|---|---|
| Gulf Coast | October |
| Southern Florida | August-September |
| Florida Keys | October |
| Central Florida | July-October |
Seasonal Fishing Patterns
Summer (August-September)
During late summer, adult redfish form large schools as they prepare for spawning. This period offers excellent fishing opportunities with more aggressive fish. During spawning, redfish produce a distinctive “drumming” sound (hence the name “red drum”).
Fall (October)
Post-spawn redfish are typically hungry and actively feeding to replenish energy reserves. Fall presents prime fishing conditions across most Florida regions.
Winter
Focus on shallow mud flats that warm quickly on sunny days. Juvenile redfish (under 30 inches) tend to stay inshore during colder months.
Spring
As waters warm, redfish activity gradually increases. Target fish around grass flats, oyster beds, and mangrove shorelines.
Special Regulations and Restrictions
Transport Regulations
- Maximum of 4 redfish per person may be transported off the water
- Fish must remain in whole condition until landed ashore
- All applicable size and bag limits apply during transport
Charter and For-Hire Restrictions
- Captains and crew members on for-hire vessels cannot keep redfish
- Paying customers are still subject to standard bag limits
- Charter captains are responsible for ensuring clients comply with regulations
Commercial Harvest
- Commercial harvest of redfish is strictly prohibited throughout Florida
- Sale of recreationally caught redfish is illegal
- Restaurants and fish markets are prohibited from selling wild-caught Florida redfish
Conservation Success Story
Florida’s redfish management represents one of the state’s greatest conservation achievements. In the 1980s, redfish populations declined dramatically due to overfishing and habitat loss.
The FWC implemented emergency measures, including:
- Initial closure periods to reduce fishing pressure
- Introduction of slot limits (18-27 inches) in 1989
- Reduction of daily bag limits to 1 fish per person
- Establishment of seasonal closures (since modified)
These actions have successfully rebuilt redfish populations to exceed the FWC’s management goal of 40% “escapement” (the percentage of fish surviving to reproductive age).
The 2022 management approach incorporates six key metrics:
- Relative abundance
- Escapement rates
- Harmful algal bloom impacts
- Habitat quality
- Fishing effort
- Stakeholder feedback and review
This science-based approach ensures sustainable redfish populations while providing quality angling opportunities.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating Florida’s fishing regulations can result in significant consequences:
- Fishing without a license: Fines starting at $50
- Harvesting undersized or oversized redfish: Second-degree misdemeanor charges
- Exceeding bag limits: Fines and possible license suspension
- Potential penalties include:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Monetary fines
- Fishing privilege suspension
- Gear confiscation
Florida wildlife officers regularly patrol popular fishing areas, and penalties increase for repeat offenders.
Best Practices for Responsible Redfish Angling
Proper Catch and Release Techniques
- Use circle hooks to reduce deep hooking
- Minimize handling time and keep fish in the water when possible
- Wet hands before touching fish to protect their protective slime coat
- Use proper dehooking tools
- Revive exhausted fish before release by moving them gently forward in the water
Essential Gear for Legal Redfish Fishing
- Accurate measuring device (measuring tape or fish ruler)
- Knowledge of current regulations for your fishing area
- Valid fishing license and appropriate permits
- Dehooking tools for catch and release
- Camera for documentation (instead of keeping fish)
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Florida’s redfish fishery represents the perfect balance between conservation and recreation when anglers follow regulations. Before your next fishing trip:
- Purchase the appropriate license
- Familiarize yourself with regional regulations
- Carry proper measuring tools
- Practice ethical angling techniques
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only avoid penalties but also contribute to the long-term health of Florida’s world-class redfish fishery.
