Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Permit: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a permit must be between 11 and 22 inches (fork length) to keep. The bag limit is 2 per harvester (outside the Special Permit Zone). Season: Open year-round.
The rules
| Size limit | 11–22" slot (fork length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 2 per harvester (outside the Special Permit Zone) |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Rules & notes | May additionally keep 1 over 22" fork length outside the SPZ. Special Permit Zone (South FL) has different rules — see MyFWC.com. |
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 permit are most active
Permit are most active around the Gulf Coast in April–June.
Permit are most active in roughly 72–86°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).
Check it on the water
Log a permit 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 permit actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for permit in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a permit must be between 11 and 22 inches (fork length) to keep. May additionally keep 1 over 22" fork length outside the SPZ. Special Permit Zone (South FL) has different rules — see MyFWC.com.
How many permit can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 2 per harvester (outside the Special Permit Zone).
When is permit season in Florida?
Permit are open year-round in Florida's Gulf waters.
When is the best time to catch permit around Tampa Bay?
Permit are most active around the Gulf Coast in April–June.
What water temperature do permit like?
Permit are most active in roughly 72–86°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).