The private recreational fall season resumes September 1. Summer harvest ended July 31.
May 22–Jul 31 • Sep 1–Oct 4Check FWC
August 2026 snapshot
What’s biting.
What’s legal.
Florida Gulf recreational harvest seasons, checked for today.
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species openright now
AUGToday · Aug 6SEP
4 seasons change September 1
Recreational harvest remains closed through the end of August in Gulf state and federal waters.
Closed Sep 15, 2025–Aug 31, 2026Check FWC ↗
Gulf recreational harvest is closed for all of August in state and federal waters.
Closed Sep 27, 2025–Aug 31, 2026Check FWC ↗
Gulf harvest reopened August 1 after the annual June–July seasonal closure.
Open Mar 1–May 31 • Aug 1–Dec 31Check FWC ↗
Catch-and-release fishing is allowed during the harvest closure. September 1 applies to the Tampa Bay and nearby Gulf management regions.
Harvest closed May 1–Aug 31Check FWC ↗