Florida Sheepshead Rules
Copied from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on October 17, 2026.
Sheepshead have a minimum size and a bag limit, with a vessel limit in spring.
The rule (Gulf and Atlantic state waters)
| Bag limit | 8 per person per day |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 12 in |
| Maximum size | None |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Possession / vessel limit | Vessel limit: 50 per trip during March and April |
Total length. Gulf and Atlantic state waters (state rules extend into federal waters).
Check the source
Official page: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/sheepshead/. Rules change, so always confirm on the official page before keeping a fish. Some waters (certain lakes, rivers, parks and Fish Management Areas) have their own rules.
Not sure what you caught? How to identify a fish from a photo. CatchCheck uses AI to identify fish from photos, and the ID can be wrong. Always confirm the species and the current rules with your state fish and wildlife agency before keeping any fish.