Governor Ron DeSantis announces record-breaking 2026 red snapper seasons while celebrating federal approval of state-managed Atlantic fishery control
Fernandina Beach and Fort Myers, Florida – Florida is set to dramatically expand recreational fishing opportunities in 2026 after Governor Ron DeSantis announced new record-length red snapper seasons for both the Gulf and Atlantic, alongside federal approval that gives the state a larger role in managing the fishery.
The announcement includes a 140-day Gulf red snapper season and a newly approved 39-day Atlantic season, marking one of the most significant shifts in recreational fishing policy in recent years. State leaders say the changes are designed to increase access for anglers while maintaining conservation standards through data-driven management.
“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 federal approval of Florida’s Exempted Fishing Permit, often referred to as an EFP, is a key turning point. It allows the state to take over management of the recreational Atlantic red snapper fishery in both state and federal waters beginning in 2026 — a responsibility previously controlled at the federal level.
Under the new framework, the Atlantic red snapper season will expand dramatically compared to previous years. In 2025, anglers were limited to just a two-day federal season. In 2026, that will increase to 39 days — an expansion of more than 1,800 percent.
The Atlantic season will be divided into two main segments. The summer season will run from May 22 through June 20, aligning with Memorial Day weekend. A second fall season will include three separate weekend openings in October: October 2–4, 9–11, and 16–18. State officials say this structure is intended to spread out fishing pressure while maximizing opportunities for anglers.
Meanwhile, the Gulf private recreational red snapper season will reach 140 days in 2026, the longest since Florida assumed management of the fishery. The season begins May 22 and continues through July 31 for the summer segment, followed by a detailed fall schedule stretching from September into early January.
That fall Gulf schedule includes consecutive fishing days from September 1 through October 4, followed by a series of structured weekend openings through the remainder of the year. These include three-day weekends in October, two-day weekends in November, holiday openings during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a final stretch of fishing days running into early January 2027.
Officials say the expanded structure reflects Florida’s growing confidence in managing the fishery using state-specific data and real-time monitoring tools. It also represents a major shift away from short, federally managed seasons that many anglers and coastal businesses have long criticized as overly restrictive.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission leaders say the success of Gulf management helped make the Atlantic expansion possible. According to agency officials, Florida previously increased Gulf red snapper access from just three days under federal control to 127 days under state management — a jump of more than 4,100 percent.
“This is a major milestone and success for Florida’s Atlantic red snapper anglers and the fishery overall. FWC has worked relentlessly to make this day a reality for Florida’s anglers, but it would not have been possible without the widespread support from those who care about the health and access to our robust Atlantic red snapper fishery,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “We thank Governor DeSantis for his continuous and consistent 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 Florida’s track record in the Gulf demonstrates that the state is prepared to manage Atlantic waters using the same approach.
“Florida has already demonstrated that it can manage the recreational red snapper fishery with precision and results. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the state has consistently expanded access and created more opportunities for anglers in the Gulf, while upholding a firm commitment to conservation. 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,” he said.
Jessica McCawley, director of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management, emphasized that the expansion is closely tied to improved data collection systems. Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey will play a central role in tracking fish populations and guiding season decisions.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the way, and with approval from NOAA Fisheries, we’re opening the door to a 39-day recreational season starting May 22, 2026. This is a major step forward, giving anglers meaningful new opportunities to catch and keep Atlantic red snapper while strengthening our commitment to conservation,” McCawley said. “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. FWC would like to thank Congressman Rutherford and the Red Snapper Congressional Task Force, along with members of the recreational industry, for their strong support that got us to where we are today.”
Supporters from the fishing industry and conservation groups also welcomed the announcement. American Sportfishing Association Southeast Fisheries Policy Director Martha Guyas called the federal approval a major breakthrough for state-led management.
“Florida’s EFP is a monumental step in turning Atlantic red snapper conservation success into a management success story,” she said. “ASA is grateful to Governor DeSantis for leading the way on red snapper management that delivers better data and better access to this world class fishery for Florida anglers.”
Coastal Conservation Association Florida Director of Advocacy Trip Aukeman also praised the decision, saying the expanded seasons will improve flexibility and reduce the pressure created by extremely short federal openings.
“Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida appreciates Governor DeSantis’ leadership and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) direction in expanding recreational fishing opportunities for red snapper,” Aukeman said. “These exempted fishing 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.”
State officials noted that Florida’s recreational fishing industry is already one of the largest in the country, with more than 4 million licensed anglers, 950,000 registered vessels, and a $31.3 billion boating economy supporting over 100,000 jobs.
Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy, said the new system reflects a long-awaited shift toward more flexible and locally driven management.
“Florida has led the way demonstrating how state-driven data collection and management can improve both conservation and access,” Angers said. “Gov. DeSantis’ leadership and today’s decision build on that success giving South Atlantic anglers a long-overdue path toward more reasonable seasons and better information. It’s a win-win for the fish, the anglers and coastal communities.”
Officials stressed that participation in the fishery still requires registration under Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey system. Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel — in either state or federal waters — must register annually as a State Reef Fish Angler, even if otherwise exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration is available through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
As Florida moves toward 2026, state leaders say the expanded seasons represent both an economic boost and a long-term shift in how marine fisheries are managed, with a stronger emphasis on local data, extended access, and sustained conservation.
