(1) No person shall possess for purposes of sale, purchase, sell, or exchange any of the following species of a length less than set forth as follows:
    (a) Black sea bass 10 inches total length.
    (b) Greater amberjack 34 inches fork length.
    (c) Gray triggerfish. 12 inches fork length.
    (d) Grouper (measured in terms of total length).
    1. Black grouper 24 inches.
    2. Gag 24 inches.
    3. Red grouper 18 inches.
    4. Scamp 16 inches.
    5. Yellowfin grouper 20 inches.
    (e) Hogfish 14 inches fork length (consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50 C.F.R. § 622.37(c)(2) as of August 24, 2017).
    (f) Snapper (measured in terms of total length).
    1. Cubera snapper 12 inches.
    2. Dog snapper 12 inches.
    3. Gray (mangrove) snapper 12 inches.
    4. Lane snapper 8 inches.
    5. Mahogany snapper 12 inches.
    6. Mutton snapper 18 inches.
    7. Red snapper 13 inches.
    8. Schoolmaster snapper 10 inches.
    9. Vermilion snapper 10 inches.
    10. Yellowtail snapper 12 inches.
    (2) Minimum size limits do not apply to the possession, purchase, sale, or exchange of the following species that have been imported from another state or foreign country: almaco jack, banded rudderfish, lesser amberjack, yellowmouth grouper, or red porgy.
    (3) No person shall purchase or sell a Nassau grouper or goliath grouper or possess a Nassau grouper or goliath grouper for either purpose.
    (4) A person may possess any species listed in subsection 68B-14.001(2), F.A.C., that have been imported into Florida from another state or foreign country, provided that those species comply with the provisions specified in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, and the purchaser possesses a receipt(s), bill(s) of sale, or bill(s) of lading to show that the fish were harvested and purchased in another state or foreign country and are entering the state in interstate or international commerce. Such documentation shall accompany the fish through retail or restaurant sale. Failure to maintain such documentation or to promptly produce same at the request of any duly authorized law enforcement officer shall constitute violation of this rule.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History-New 1-1-03, Amended 9-16-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-07, 4-1-08, 8-27-09, 3-23-12, 7-9-15, 11-17-16, 1-1-17, 8-24-17, 7-1-19, 7-1-22, 10-26-23.