Sharks Keep Florida Guide – Florida’s warm coastal waters teem with sharks, making it one of the top destinations in the USA for recreational shark fishing. Whether you’re surf fishing from the beach, fishing from a pier, or heading offshore on a charter, knowing exactly what sharks you can keep in Florida is essential for staying legal, protecting populations, and enjoying a safe trip. This Sharks Keep Florida Guide breaks down the latest FWC regulations, bag limits, permits, gear rules, and tips so you can fish responsibly in 2026.
Why Florida Stands Out for Shark Fishing?
Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts host over 30 shark species, from small inshore blacktips to larger bulls and spinners. Sharks migrate seasonally—often closer to shore in winter along the Treasure Coast—and serve as apex predators that keep marine ecosystems healthy. For U.S. anglers, Florida offers year-round opportunities, but strict “keep” rules (harvest regulations) ensure sustainability. Always check myfwc.com before heading out, as federal waters (beyond 3 miles Atlantic/9 miles Gulf) may have additional NOAA rules.
Blacktip sharks are among the most common catch-and-keep species in Florida waters.
Common Shark Species You’ll Encounter in Florida
Popular inshore targets include:
- Blacktip sharks — acrobatic fighters often seen jumping near beaches.
- Bonnetheads and Atlantic sharpnose — smaller, abundant in bays and estuaries.
- Bull and spinner sharks — stronger fighters that move into shallower water.
Larger species like nurse sharks appear near reefs. Knowing these helps you identify legal keepers quickly.
What Sharks Can You Keep in Florida? The Two Legal Groups
Florida divides harvestable sharks into two easy-to-remember groups (recreational rules apply statewide in state waters):
Group 1 Sharks (No Minimum Size Limit)
- Atlantic sharpnose
- Blacknose
- Blacktip
- Bonnethead
- Finetooth
- Smooth dogfish
- Florida smoothhound
- Gulf smoothhound
These are the most common “keeper” sharks for surf and inshore anglers.
Group 2 Sharks (54-Inch Fork Length Minimum)
- Bull
- Nurse
- Spinner
- Blue
- Porbeagle
- Common thresher
Measure from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail (straight line, not over the curve).
Fork length is the official measurement—always use a straight tape measure.
Prohibited Sharks: Species You Must Release Immediately
Dozens of species are fully protected and cannot be harvested or even removed from the water in most cases. The long list includes:
- Great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead
- Tiger shark, lemon shark, white shark
- Whale shark, basking shark
- Oceanic whitetip, silky, shortfin mako (zero retention in federal waters)
- And many more (full list on FWC site).
Key rule: Keep prohibited sharks in the water with gills submerged. Cut the leader if needed—never bring them aboard or onto the beach. Treat unknown sharks as prohibited.
Bag and Vessel Limits – Simple and Strict
- Bag limit: 1 shark per person per day
- Vessel limit: Maximum 2 sharks per boat (no matter how many anglers)
All sharks must be kept in whole condition (head, tail, and fins attached) until landed. Gilling and eviscerating is allowed on the water.
Shore-Based Shark Fishing: Required Permit and Course
Planning to fish from the beach, jetty, pier, or bridge? You must:
- Complete the free online Shark-Smart Fishing course at MyFWC.com/SharkCourse (perfect score required).
- Get the annual no-cost Shore-based Shark Fishing permit (ages 16+).
No chumming from the beach. Special lighting rules apply March–October for sea turtle nesting. Kids under 16 can fish with a permitted adult.
Typical Florida surf shark fishing setup—long rods, heavy reels, and prepared tackle.
Essential Gear Rules and Best Practices
- Use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks with natural bait.
- Carry a hook cutter or bolt cutters for quick releases.
- Minimum 80 lb test line recommended.
- No treble hooks with natural bait for harvest.
Practice “Shark-Smart” handling: minimize fight time, keep gills in water, and release quickly. These rules protect both sharks and anglers.
Shark Safety Tips for Florida Anglers and Beachgoers
Florida leads the U.S. in shark bites (11 unprovoked in 2025 per the International Shark Attack File), but incidents remain rare compared to millions of beach visits. Most involve surfers or swimmers in murky water near baitfish.
- Swim in groups.
- Avoid dawn/dusk and areas with fishing or baitfish schools.
- Steer clear of river mouths or fishing piers while swimming.
Anglers: Release sharks away from crowded beaches and never sit on or drag them.
Best Times and Places to Fish for Sharks in Florida
- Treasure Coast (December–March): Blacktip migration hotspot.
- Gulf Coast and Keys: Year-round action for multiple species.
- Summer: Larger Group 2 sharks move in.
Charter boats handle permits and tackle for beginners.
Conservation Matters – Sharks Are Vital to Florida’s Oceans
Sharks keep fish populations balanced. By following “keep” rules and practicing catch-and-release for larger or prohibited species, you help sustain healthy stocks for future generations. Report tagged sharks to NOAA programs.
Final Tip: Regulations can update—always double-check the official FWC Sharks page and download the Fish Rules App before your trip. Tight lines and safe fishing in the Sunshine State!
For the latest details, visit myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/sharks. Fish responsibly and enjoy everything Florida’s shark-rich waters have to offer.