Reeling in the Flavor: Florida’s Groupers

This blog post was developed using original content by Laila Cohen, intern UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, and Holly Abeels, FL Sea Grant Extension Agent, and edited with assistance from Microsoft Copilot.

Introduction: Why Grouper Is a Florida Favorite

Grouper is one of Florida’s most popular fish—both for sport fishing and seafood lovers. With a wide variety of species found in Florida waters, grouper is known for its mild flavor, firm texture, and impressive size. However, due to past overfishing, many grouper species are now subject to strict harvesting regulations.

Did You Know? Some grouper species can change sex—most begin life as females and later become males!

Grouper Species Found in Florida

Florida is home to a diverse array of grouper species, including:

Nassau Grouper
Goliath Grouper (up to 800 lbs and 8 feet long!)
Gag Grouper
Black Grouper
Red Grouper
Scamp
Yellowfin & Yellowmouth Grouper
Rock Hind & Red Hind
Coney & Graysby
Yellowedge & Misty Grouper
Warsaw & Speckled Hind
Snowy Grouper

For current regulations and species-specific guidelines, visit the FWC Grouper Regulations Page.

Habitat & Behavior

Groupers are typically found in:

Offshore reefs
Artificial structures
Shipwrecks

These environments provide the perfect cover for their ambush hunting style. Groupers use powerful suction to “inhale” prey, making them formidable predators in their underwater domain.

Fun Facts About Groupers

Sex changers: Many groupers start life as females and transition to males.
Ambush predators: They hide in reef structures and strike quickly.
Goliath grouper: The largest species in Florida, reaching up to 800 pounds!

Learn more about goliath grouper life history here.

Cooking Grouper: Delicious & Versatile

Try this tasty idea: Parmesan-Crusted Grouper—a simple, flavorful dish that highlights the fish’s mild taste. Watch us cook this recipe on YouTube.

Parmesan Crusted Grouper

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
3 to 5 chopped green onions, light green and white parts
1/2 to 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dash of hot sauce
2 grouper fillets, skin removed
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

How To Make:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix mayonnaise, green onions, cheese, and hot sauce in a small bowl and set aside.
Place the grouper in an ovenproof dish and pour lemon juice over it.
Bake for 10 minutes in the oven, or until almost done, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The recommended internal temperature is 145 degrees for safe consumption of a fish fillet.
Remove the dish from the oven and spread the topping evenly over the fillets.
Turn the oven to broil and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden.
Serve hot.

Looking for alternatives? You can also enjoy:

Snapper
Cobia
Mahi-Mahi
Halibut

These fish offer similar textures and flavors, and are great substitutes in most grouper recipes.

Reference

Microsoft Copilot. (2025). Reeling in the Flavor: Florida’s Groupers original draft. Edited content provided to Holly A. Abeels. Microsoft.