TALLAHASSEE, FL— The recreational harvest season for snook will close June 1 in Florida’s Northeast, Indian River Lagoon and Southeast management regions, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The season is scheduled to reopen Sept. 1 in all three regions.
The seasonal closure applies to all Florida state and inland waters within the designated regions, as well as adjacent federal waters. During the closure period, anglers may still catch and release snook where permitted, but harvesting the fish is prohibited.
FWC officials say the regulations are part of a broader, science-based management strategy designed to protect one of Florida’s most popular inshore game fish. The agency uses seven biological and fishery performance metrics to evaluate snook populations regionally, allowing managers to respond more effectively to local environmental conditions and fishing pressure.
“The holistic management approach gives the FWC greater flexibility in managing the fishery while helping ensure healthy snook populations for future generations,” the agency stated.
Regional Regulations
Northeast Region
The Northeast region stretches from the Florida-Georgia border south to the Lytle Avenue/South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach. It also includes the St. Johns River and its tributaries but excludes the Withlacoochee and Kissimmee rivers, Cypress Lake, and lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee.
- Open Season: Feb. 1–May 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14
- Closed Season: Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31
- Bag Limit: One fish per person per day
- Slot Limit: 28–32 inches total length
Indian River Lagoon Region
This region extends from New Smyrna Beach south to the Martin-Palm Beach county line. It includes all waters of the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee but excludes the Loxahatchee and St. Johns rivers and their tributaries.
- Open Season: Feb. 1–May 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14
- Closed Season: Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31
- Bag Limit: One fish per person per day
- Slot Limit: 28–32 inches total length
Southeast Region
The Southeast region spans from the Martin-Palm Beach county line south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line. It includes waters connected to Hillsboro Canal, Miami Canal, North New River Canal, West Palm Beach Canal, and the Loxahatchee River and its tributaries. Lake Okeechobee and Everglades National Park are excluded.
- Open Season: Feb. 1–May 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14
- Closed Season: Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31
- Bag Limit: One fish per person per day
- Slot Limit: 28–32 inches total length
FWC also reminded anglers that special snook regulations apply within Biscayne National Park.
Additional information about snook regulations and annual management reviews is available through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
