In state waters, mangrove (gray) snapper carry a 10-inch minimum and a 5-fish bag limit. Cross the 9-nautical-mile line into federal waters and the minimum rises to 12 inches with a 10-fish bag. Both fall within the 10-snapper aggregate. The season is open year-round, but spawning runs peak June through September on nearshore reefs 30–50 feet deep.
What is the mangrove snapper size limit?
The state waters minimum is 10 inches total length. In federal waters, it is 12 inches total length. Measure with the mouth closed and tail lobes squeezed together on a flat surface.
What are the bag limits — state vs federal?
| Rule | State waters (inside 9 nm) | Federal waters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum size | 10” total length | 12” total length |
| Bag limit | 5 per person | 10 per person |
| Aggregate | Within the 10-snapper aggregate | Within the 10-snapper aggregate |
| Season | Open year-round | Open year-round |
The 9-nautical-mile line is the Gulf state/federal boundary. Both limits fall inside the 10-snapper aggregate — every snapper species on your boat, including mangrove, gag, red, and vermilion, counts toward the same total. Verify current rules at FWC snapper regulations.
When do mangrove snapper spawn?
Spawning runs June through September. The heaviest concentrations appear between the July and August full moons in 30–50 feet of water. Night and low light produce far better results than midday — the same fish that ignores everything at noon eats at dusk. Fish hold on nearshore reefs and ledges one to five miles off the beach, but year-round populations also sit deeper in 60–100 feet mixed with red grouper.
Do you need a license?
Yes. Private-boat anglers require a free State Reef Fish Angler designation from GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, renewed every year. Every vessel also carries the gear:
- A dehooking device rigged and ready
- A descending device or venting tool rigged and ready for fish from 30–50 ft (readily available for federal waters under NOAA DESCEND Act)
- Non-stainless, non-offset circle hooks when fishing natural bait
These are the Gulf reef-fish rules and apply to every boat, not just the deep ones. Fish pulled from 30–50 feet usually swim off fine; deeper fish from 60–100 feet need the descending device to reach pressure safely.
FAQ
What size mangrove snapper can you keep in the Gulf? 10 inches total length in state waters, 12 inches in federal waters.
How many mangrove snapper per day? 5 per person in state waters, 10 in federal waters, within the 10-snapper aggregate.
Is there a mangrove snapper season? No — the season is open year-round.
When do mangrove snapper spawn in Florida? June through September, peaking between the July and August full moons in 30–50 feet of water.
Related
Learn the full species ecology on the mangrove snapper page. Compare bag limits across the reef — gag grouper season opens September 1 when mangrove snapper spawn peaks. Get your State Reef Fish Angler designation and confirm all gear requirements at the FWC regulations explainer. Set your boat up for safe releases with the catch-and-release best practices guide, and scout your dock-light options with the dock-light night fishing primer.
