Florida announces the reopening of recreational flounder harvest starting Dec. 1 across all state and federal waters

Florida – Florida anglers will soon return to the water with a familiar seasonal goal in mind, as the recreational harvest of flounder officially reopens on December 1. After a period of closure aimed at protecting the species during a vulnerable part of its life cycle, both state and federal waters will welcome back fishermen eager for the winter opportunity.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that the reopening applies statewide, giving people across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts the same start date. For many recreational anglers, the December reopening has become a dependable marker on the calendar, especially as cooler temperatures draw flounder into accessible nearshore habitats.

With the season returning, FWC is reminding the public to stay aware of size and bag limits before heading out. The minimum size requirement for flounder remains 14 inches total length, a standard designed to ensure fish have adequate time to reach maturity. In addition, the daily recreational bag limit is five fish per person, a rule that balances fishing activity with long-term sustainability goals.

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These regulations, according to FWC officials, are essential for maintaining a healthy flounder population while still allowing anglers to enjoy the resource. Recreational fishing plays a major role in Florida’s coastal culture and economy, and the agency continues to adjust management measures as needed to support both conservation and access.

Anglers seeking more information on current regulations have several options. FWC directs users to visit MyFWC.com/Marine, where they can select “Recreational Regulations” and then “Flounder” for full details. Many fishermen also rely on the Fish Rules App, a widely used tool that keeps regulations updated and easy to reference while preparing for a trip or checking limits on the water.

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As December approaches, interest is already building among coastal communities, bait shops, and weekend anglers waiting for the chance to return to one of Florida’s long-standing seasonal fisheries. With clear guidelines in place and the season about to open, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a safe and productive flounder harvest across the state.