Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Flounder: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a flounder must be at least 14 inches (total length) to keep. The bag limit is 5 per harvester. Season: Closed Oct. 15–Nov. 30.
The rules
| Size limit | 14" minimum (total length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 5 per harvester |
| Season | Closed Oct. 15–Nov. 30 |
| Rules & notes | May be harvested by spearing. Snatching prohibited. |
Not legal advice. These are Florida's Gulf-zone limits (Tampa Bay region where FWC sets regional rules), checked against FWC on July 1, 2026. Limits change by region, gear and date — confirm on MyFWC.com before you keep a fish.
When flounder are most active
Flounder are most active around the Gulf Coast in October–December. That's when they bite best, not when harvest is open. Harvest season: Closed Oct. 15–Nov. 30.
Flounder are most active in roughly 55–72°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).
Check it on the water
Log a flounder in Newbreeds and the size check compares your length against these limits — keeper or release — with a link to FWC to confirm. Every catch also records the tide, pressure trend, water temperature and moon automatically, so over time you see which conditions your flounder actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for flounder in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a flounder must be at least 14 inches (total length) to keep. May be harvested by spearing. Snatching prohibited.
How many flounder can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 5 per harvester.
When is flounder season in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters: Closed Oct. 15–Nov. 30.
When is the best time to catch flounder around Tampa Bay?
Flounder are most active around the Gulf Coast in October–December. That's when they bite best, not when harvest is open. Harvest season: Closed Oct. 15–Nov. 30.
What water temperature do flounder like?
Flounder are most active in roughly 55–72°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).