New Fla. Proposal Would Expand Atlantic Red Snapper Season

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has formally submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that, upon approval, would allow Florida to assume management of the recreational red snapper fishery in state and federal waters off the Atlantic Coast beginning in 2026.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the action last week.

As submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida would implement a 39-day Atlantic Red Snapper season, a dramatic expansion from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025, an 1,850-percent increase in fishing. The proposed season includes:

• Summer: From May 22 (Memorial Day Weekend) through June 20
• Fall: Three-day weekends in October (Oct. 2–4, 9–11, and 16–18)

Florida’s application leverages the same process used in the Gulf, where state management has produced results that support the species and anglers. Since assuming management in the Gulf, the red snapper season has risen from 3 to 127 days, an over 4,100-percent increase for Florida’s Gulf anglers and for-hire operators.

The expanded season is expected to drive major economic growth for coastal communities, benefiting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and Florida’s robust boating and fishing industries. Florida remains the nation’s leader in recreational fishing and boating, home to over 4 million licensed anglers, 922,000 registered boats, and a $31.3 billion recreational boating industry supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide.

“State management and expansion of Gulf snapper season have been a major boon for our Gulf of America communities, allowing so many Floridians and visitors to enjoy the red snapper our waters have to offer,” DeSantis said. “I was proud to announce that Florida anglers will soon be able to enjoy more Atlantic red snapper fishing as well. The Trump Administration has taken action to rein in the bureaucracy and return this power to the states, where it belongs. To that end, Florida has submitted a formal request to the federal government for state management of the recreational red snapper fishery. Just as it has on the Gulf coast, Florida’s management of Atlantic red snapper fishing will boost local economies along our Atlantic coast, supporting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and the entire recreational fishing community.”

Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel—in state or federal waters—must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler (with annual renewal), even if exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. For more on recreational snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.

• This report is from a news release from an FWC news release.

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