If species-specific diets for the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) are to be developed, we need information not only on nutritional requirements but also on how the species responds to various ingredients in practical diet formulations. Considerable work has been completed that has reduced the levels of animal protein to ~15% of the diet using solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM) as a primary protein source. Further cost reductions can be obtained if other low-cost proteins are then substituted for SBM. We evaluated a corn-fermented protein (CFP) as a substitute for soybean meal by conducting a 12-week growth trial with juvenile Florida pompano (6.08 ± 0.55g) using a fishmeal-free basal diet. The basal diet contained poultry meal (15% diet) and SBM (52% diet) as primary protein sources. The SBM was then incrementally replaced with CFP (5, 10, 20% diet) on an equal protein basis. Although final weights increased from 45g to 56g, there were no differences due to data variability. There were also no differences in FCR, protein, or energy retention. Furthermore, analysis of serum metabolits and gut microbiota revealed no indications of impaired health confirming that CFP could be used as a substitute for SBM in practical diets for Florida pompano.