Grouper, Goliath

Goliath grouper is a protected species. FWC rules stipulate that harvest and possession of Goliath Grouper is prohibited. Goliath Grouper that are caught but immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed are not harvested. The taking of photographs after removal of hooks and posing for pictures with Goliath Grouper is not considered an immediately release of the fish. So, you should NOT remove a Goliath Grouper from the water to take pictures. If you want pictures, take them with the fish still in the water.

In March 2022, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a limited, highly regulated recreational harvest of Goliath grouper in state waters beginning Spring 2023. This approved recreational harvest of Goliath grouper includes:

A recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, with a maximum of 50 from Everglades National Park.

A required recreational goliath harvest permit and tag, issued via a random-draw lottery, to legally harvest a goliath ($150 for residents, $500 for non-residents).

Limiting harvest to one fish per person per open season with permit and tag, non-transferable.

A March 1 through May 31 season.

Allowable gear will be hook-and-line only.

A slot limit of 24 to 36 inches total length.

Harvest would be permitted in all state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Post-harvest requirements, such as proper utilization of the harvest tag, reporting harvest data and submitting a fin clip for genetic analysis.