Florida is the Snapper State!
Today, Governer Ron Desantis announced a historic milestone for Florida anglers, celebrating federal approval of Florida's Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), allowing Florida to lead Atlantic Red Snapper Management beginning in 2026. He also announced a record- breaking 140 day 2026 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season.
Atlantic Red Snapper Management
NOAA fisheries officially approved Florida's Exempted Fishing Permit for Atlantic red snapper management beginning in 2026.
Florida anglers and for-hire operators will receive a 39-day Atlantic recreational season:
- Summer Season: May 22 (Memorial Day Weekend) through June 20
- Fall Season: Three-day weekends in October (October 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18)
Approval allows Florida to expand access for anglers while utilizing the State Reef Fish Survey to strengthen data collection and long-term sustainability. Additionally, the new management structure will support Florida's Atlantic coastal economies, including charter operators, bait and tackle shops, restuarants, and tourism businesses.
2026 Gulf Red Snapper Season
140 day recreational season, the longest in Florida history since state management began.
Summer Season:
- May 22 - July 31 (consecutively)
Fall Season:
- September 1- October 4 (consecutively)
- October 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30- November 1 (3 day weekends)
- November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 (2 day weekends)
- November 26-29 (Thanksgiving weekends)
- December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 (2 day weekends)
- December 25-17 (Christmas weekend)
- January 1-4 (Consecutively)
