SlotGaugeCheck a catch

Black Drum regulations in Florida

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Black Drum size limit, season and daily limit

Exact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wording

Season

Open year-round

Size

14-24" with one fish over 24"

Limit

5 per harvester per day (can include one over 24")

statewide — as printed

“Slot Limit: 14-24" with one fish over 24"; Daily Bag Limit: 5 per harvester per day (can include one over 24"); Season: Open year-round”

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).

More

About the black drum

Species of fish

The black drum, also known as the drum or drummer, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, the drums and croakers. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean off the eastern coast of North and South America. Though most specimens are generally found in the 5-30 lb (2–14 kg) range, the largest black drum was just over 113 lb (51 kg), while in Argentina in 1971, a 48 kg black drum was captured. They are often black and/or gray in color with juvenile fish having distinctive dark stripes over a gray body. Their teeth are rounded and they have powerful jaws capable of crushing oysters and other shellfish. Black drum are capable of producing tones between 100 Hz and 500 Hz when performing mating calls.

Read more about Black drum on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, not Wikipedia.

All 52 Florida species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Black Drum in Florida?

14–24 inch slot in Florida state waters.

How many Black Drum can you keep per day in Florida?

5 per person (may include one over 24 inches).

When is Black Drum season in Florida?

Open year-round.

Is my Black Drum a keeper today?

A black drum is a keeper today if it measures between 14 and 24 inches, with a daily limit of 5.