FERNANDINA BEACH — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will manage the recreational Atlantic red snapper fishery in both state and federal waters for the first time, expanding the season from a two-day federal allotment to 39 days — an increase of more than 1,800 percent. The governor also set the Gulf private recreational red snapper season at a record 140 days, the longest since Florida assumed management of that fishery.
“Florida is the most angler-friendly state in the nation, and under my leadership, we are committed to expanding and protecting recreational fishing opportunities,” said Governor DeSantis. “With a record 39-day Atlantic red snapper season and a record-breaking 140-day Gulf red snapper season, Florida is empowering our anglers, protecting our waters, strengthening our coastal economy. And this is just the beginning.”
The expansion follows NOAA Fisheries’ approval of Florida’s Exempted Fishing Permit, which transfers management authority from the federal government to the state. The Atlantic summer season opens May 22 — Memorial Day weekend — and runs through June 20, with a fall season spanning three-day weekends in October. The Gulf season runs May 22 through July 31, then resumes with consecutive days and weekend openings from September through early January.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto called the permit approval “a major milestone and success for Florida’s Atlantic red snapper anglers and the fishery overall.” Barreto credited DeSantis’ leadership and the Trump administration “for working with the State of Florida to support this state-led effort in providing more fishing opportunities to Floridians.”
FWC Executive Director Roger Young said the state has a proven track record. “Florida has already demonstrated that it can manage the recreational red snapper fishery with precision and results,” Young said. “We’re ready to apply that same proven expertise to the Atlantic and deliver even stronger outcomes for both the resource and the fishing community.” In the Gulf, state management previously increased the red snapper season from 3 days under federal control to 127 days — an increase of over 4,100 percent.
FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley said the agency’s data-driven approach through the State Reef Fish Survey makes the longer seasons possible. “By pairing expanded access with improved data collection through Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey, we’re proving that smart, state-led management can deliver both better fishing experiences and a more sustainable future for this iconic species,” McCawley said. She also thanked Congressman Rutherford and the Red Snapper Congressional Task Force for their support.
Industry groups backed the move. Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association, called the EFP “a monumental step in turning Atlantic red snapper conservation success into a management success story.” CCA Florida Director of Advocacy Trip Aukeman said the permits “will give Florida anglers and their families greater access to harvest red snapper, reduce reliance on a limited two-day season and provide more flexibility for a better experience on the water.” Jeff Angers, President of the Center for Sportfishing Policy, called it “a win-win for the fish, the anglers and coastal communities.”
Florida’s recreational fishing and boating sector includes more than 4 million licensed anglers, 950,000 registered vessels, and a $31.3 billion boating industry supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide. Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel in state or federal waters must register as a State Reef Fish Angler, with annual renewal, at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. The Atlantic summer season opens May 22.