04/03/2026
Blackfin Tuna Limits (Florida Clarified)
Let me clear this up, because there’s a lot of misinformation floating around.
🔹 State Regulations (Florida):
• 2 fish per person
• OR 10 fish per vessel per day
• (Whichever is greater)
🔹 Federal Regulations:
• No specific federal bag limit for blackfin tuna
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⚠️ Here’s Where People Get Confused
Even though there’s no federal bag limit, you still have to follow Florida’s state limits—and yes, that applies even if you fish in federal waters.
Apps like FishRules state this clearly, and after speaking directly with FWC, here’s the deal:
👉 You cannot bring back more than Florida’s limit
👉 It does NOT matter if you caught them in federal waters
👉 You must land your fish in Florida, so state rules apply
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🚤 Exception (Important)
The idea that you can exceed limits in federal waters only applies to federally permitted for-hire vessels (charter/headboats with the proper permits).
Even then, most local charter boats still follow state limits because:
• It keeps things simple and legal
• 10 blackfin is more than enough for most trips
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📜 What Changed Recently?
In July 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved an update:
Old Rule:
• 2 fish OR 100 lbs per person per day (whichever greater)
• Applied to state waters only
New Rule (Current):
• 2 fish per person OR 10 fish per vessel per day (whichever greater)
• Now applies in both state AND adjacent federal waters
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🎯 Bottom Line
✔ Recreational anglers must follow Florida limits everywhere
✔ You cannot “stack” state + federal limits
✔ 2 per person / 10 per boat is the law when you hit the dock
