TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced expanded 2026 recreational red snapper seasons for both the Gulf and Atlantic, while also applauding federal approval allowing Florida to assume management of the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery beginning next year.
Under Florida’s newly approved Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), the state will oversee Atlantic red snapper fishing in both state and federal waters. The 2026 Atlantic season will expand to 39 days, a significant increase from the two-day federal season held in 2025. The Atlantic season will run from May 22 through June 20, with additional three-day weekends scheduled throughout October.
DeSantis also announced a 140-day Gulf private recreational red snapper season for 2026, marking the longest Gulf season since Florida assumed management of the fishery. The Gulf season will begin May 22 and continue through July 31, followed by additional fall and winter openings through early January 2027, including holiday weekends.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the expanded seasons are possible through state-led management and data collection efforts, including Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. State leaders say the extended seasons are expected to boost coastal economies by supporting charter operators, tackle shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourism-related businesses across Florida.
2026 Recreational Red Snapper Season Dates:
Summer Season:
• May 22 (Memorial Day Weekend) through July 31
Fall Season:
• Sept. 1 – Oct. 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 weekend)
• December 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (2-day weekends)
• December 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend)
• January 1 – 4 (Consecutively)
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
