Bull Shark

Bull Shark Fishing in Florida

Bull sharks live in estuarine, nearshore and offshore waters of both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. The minimum size to keep one is 54 inches fork length in state and federal waters.

Florida rules from FWC and NOAA Fisheries, checked Sep 2026

Check before you keep a fish. Seasons and limits change, sometimes in the middle of a season, and a court or an agency can change them overnight. Everything here was copied from FWC and NOAA Fisheries in Sep 2026 and is listed with its source at the bottom of this page. We are not a regulatory authority. Confirm the current rule with your captain or with FWC before you keep a fish.

Florida state record

  • 517.44 lb Panama City Bch · October 1, 1981 · Gregory K. Burnett

From FWC Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle), checked Sep 2026. Records are certified by FWC and can be broken at any time.

About the fish

SizeUp to about 10 to 11 feet
Where it livesEstuaries, nearshore and offshore waters on both coasts
What it eatsA versatile, opportunistic feeder

From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.

Which rules apply to your trip

  • In state waters you do not need the federal HMS vessel permit to fish for or keep sharks. If you fish from an HMS-permitted boat, you must comply with the permit requirements in both state and federal waters.
  • If you plan to target or keep sharks from shore, including jetties, bridges and piers, anglers 16 and older need to pass FWC's online course and get the no-cost shore-based shark fishing permit, renewed every year. The permit is not required when fishing for sharks from a vessel.
  • Circle hooks (non-offset, non-stainless steel) are required with natural bait.

Bull shark, Florida state waters: when you can keep one

Florida state waters, Gulf and Atlantic.

  • All anglersHarvestableFWC lists bull shark as a harvestable shark.
54 inches fork lengthSize limit
1 shark per person per dayDaily limit. No more than 2 sharks per vessel.

Bull shark, federal waters: when you can keep one

Federal waters, under NOAA Fisheries' Atlantic shark rules.

  • Vessels with an HMS permit and shark endorsementOpenNOAA Fisheries.
54 inches fork lengthSize limit
1 shark per vessel per tripDaily limit. The vessel needs an HMS permit with a shark endorsement.

Questions about bull shark

How big does a bull shark have to be?

54 inches fork length, in state and federal waters.

How many can we keep?

In state waters, 1 per person and no more than 2 per boat. In federal waters, 1 shark per vessel per trip.

Seasons, sizes and bag limits on this page were copied from FWC, shark regulations and NOAA Fisheries, recreational Atlantic sharks and FWC, bull shark profile in Sep 2026. Rules change, sometimes mid-season. Check the current rule with your captain or FWC before you keep a fish.