Atlantic Red Snapper Season 2026: 39 Days in Florida

Now that's more like it.

In a move somewhat unexpected by federal fishery managers, NOAA announced today that the recreational Atlantic red snapper fishing season off the coast of Florida will be 39 days in 2026. That will be the longest number of days recreational anglers of Florida's Atlantic coast have enjoyed fishing for red snapper since 2010, when fishing for red snapper in Atlantic waters was first closed due to overfishing.

Red snapper fishing off the Atlantic coast of Florida will take place:

• May 22 until June 20, and;
• Oct. 2-4, Oct. 9-11, and Oct. 16-18.

Bag limit is:

• 1 red snapper per angler per day within the 10-fish snapper-grouper aggregate
• The captain and crew bag limit is zero

Minimum size limit: None

Allowable Gear: Spear and hook-and-line (single hook only)

Atlantic For-Hire Reef Fish Registry: For-hire operations intending to target or harvest certain reef fish (including red snapper) are required to register to participate.

Trip Declaration: All anglers are required to declare fishing trips prior to leaving the dock through a web-based application that FWC will release soon.

 

Gulf seasons of Florida anglers for red snapper have yet to be announced.

 

All Florida and federal fishing regulations must be followed which are:

State Waters

On board a vessel, must possess and use:

When fishing with natural baits, North of 28° N. latitude: non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks. South of 28° N. latitude: non-stainless steel hooks

Dehooking device

NEW: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready for use (effective April 1, 2023)

Federal Waters

On board a vessel, must possess and use:

When fishing with natural baits, North of 28° N. latitude: non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks. South of 28° N. latitude: non-stainless steel hooks

Dehooking device

Descending device on board and readily available

All South Atlantic states, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, received the news first from President Donald Trump via Truth Social on May 1. Recreational anglers have been restricted to fish for red snapper since 2010 when NOAA first shut down the fishery due to overfishing. In three of the following years--2010, 2011 and 2015--anglers were not allowed to harvest red snapper in Atlantic waters. In 2016 and 2024, anglers were only allowed to harvest red snapper for one day; two days in 2025, 2023 and 2022. Anglers have been allowed to fish for red snapper a total of 52 days over 16 years since 2010.

According to a FWC statement provided by Communications Director Shannon Knowles, pay close attention to these conditions, too:

“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,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

“The FWC is leading the way, and with approval from NOAA Fisheries, we’re opening the door to a 39-day recreational season starting May 22. This is a major step forward, giving anglers meaningful new opportunities to catch and keep Atlantic red snapper while strengthening our commitment to conservation,” said FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley. “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.”

 

To learn more on NOAA's Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) applications go to: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/south-atlantic-red-snapper-state-data-collection-and-management. 

For information on each state’s requirements for recreational red snapper harvest, contact: 

Florida: (850) 488-4676 or email Media@myFWC.com or AtlanticEFP@myfwc.com