What is the size limit for Spotted Seatrout in Florida?

The current FWC size limit for Spotted Seatrout in Florida is 15 – 19 inches total length (recreational). Always confirm at MyFWC.com before keeping a fish — regulations can change on short notice.

Spotted Seatrout in Florida — Regs, Seasons & Tips

Q: What is the bag limit for Spotted Seatrout in Florida?

The current FWC daily bag limit for Spotted Seatrout in Florida is 5 per person (Big Bend); 3 per person (most regions); 2 per person (Indian River Lagoon). One fish over 19" allowed within the bag..

Q: When is Spotted Seatrout season in Florida?

Panhandle (Escambia through Franklin): Closed February; open other months; Indian River Lagoon (Volusia through northern Palm Beach): Closed November 1 – December 31; All other regions: Year-round. Season windows vary by FWC management region.

Current FWC regulations

Season

Panhandle (Escambia through Franklin)

Closed February; open other months

Indian River Lagoon (Volusia through northern Palm Beach)

Closed November 1 – December 31

All other regions

Year-round

Size limit

15 – 19 inches total length (recreational)

Bag limit

5 per person (Big Bend); 3 per person (most regions); 2 per person (Indian River Lagoon). One fish over 19" allowed within the bag.

Legal gear

Hook and line, gigs. Snatching prohibited.

Notes

New rules effective April 1, 2026. Nine management regions with different bag limits — always check FWC before your trip.

These limits are summarized from public FWC data and reviewed monthly. Florida regulations can change on short notice — always verify at MyFWC.com/Fishing before keeping a fish.

Best time to fish

Best on moving tides across grass flats early and late in the day. Winter fish stack in deeper holes.

Best baits and tackle

Live shrimp under a popping cork, pinfish, greenbacks. Artificials: soft-plastic paddletails on 1/4 oz jigheads, MirrOlure suspenders, and topwater at dawn.

Where to find them

Grass flats 2-6 ft deep, deeper channels in winter, potholes and sandy patches.

Sources

Cross-referenced with the FWC Saltwater Regulations and FWC Freshwater Regulations. Reviewed July 2026.

Species photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons contributors and public agencies (USFWS / NOAA / state fisheries). Licensed CC-BY, CC-BY-SA, or public domain.