Florida Seafood You Can't Legally Catch Or Sell

Discover Florida seafood species you can’t legally catch or sell, from queen conch to Goliath grouper, protected to preserve ocean life.

Florida’s waters are teeming with incredible marine life, but not everything swimming beneath the surface is fair game.

Some species are so threatened or ecologically important that catching or selling them could land you in serious legal trouble.

Understanding these restrictions helps protect our oceans while keeping you on the right side of the law.

Here are ten Florida seafood species that are strictly off-limits.

This stunning mollusk once ruled Florida’s seafloor like underwater royalty, but overharvesting nearly wiped out the entire population.

The Queen Conch sports a gorgeous shell with a rosy-pink interior that collectors coveted for decades.

Back in the day, conch fritters and salads were menu staples across the Sunshine State.

Author's summary: Florida has seafood species that are off-limits to catch or sell.

Ever After in the Woods — 2025-10-18