NewsProtecting Paradise

Actions

Florida Fish and Wildlife announce new flounder regulations for Florida

Posted at 7:42 AM, Feb 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-18 07:42:21-05

MATLACHA, Fla. — Florida Fish and Wildlife have announced new flounder regulations for Florida.

The new regulations start on March 1st.

The regulations were put in place after a commission meeting revealed flounder fisheries statewide have been on the decline due to overfishing.

  • The regulations will extend into federal waters.

  • The minimum size will increase from 12 inches to 15 inches in total length.

  • The season will now be from October 15th to November 30th.

  • The daily bag limit will now be 5 fish per person.

  • For commercial harvesters using allowable gear: Establishing a commercial trip and vessel limit of 150 fish from Dec. 1 – Oct. 14, and 50 fish from Oct. 15 – Nov. 30.

  • Modifying the incidental bycatch limit for commercial harvesters using non-allowable gear from 50 pounds/trip to 50 fish/trip.

  • Creating a federal waters trawl bycatch limit of 150 fish/trip from Dec. 1 – Oct. 14, and 50 fish/trip from Oct. 15 – Nov. 30.

For more information on the regulations click here.