Florida Seeks Control of Atlantic Red Snapper Season With 2026 Bid for 39 Days
Federal reviewers must weigh the bid against stock-rebuilding rules for an overfished South Atlantic population.
Overview
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has submitted an exempted fishing permit to the U.S. Department of Commerce to assume management of the Atlantic recreational red snapper season starting in 2026.
- Florida proposes a 39-day schedule with a summer block from May 22 through June 20 and three October three-day weekends (Oct. 2–4, 9–11, 16–18).
- NOAA currently oversees the fishery and limited this year’s Atlantic recreational season to July 11 and 12 due to stock-rebuilding requirements for an overfished population.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis said he discussed the proposal with President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and described their response as receptive, with approval still pending.
- State officials cite Florida’s Gulf red snapper management—where the 2025 recreational season ran 126 days—as evidence the state can support longer Atlantic access.