Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled big news for Florida anglers: the 2026 recreational Gulf red snapper season will run for 140 days, the longest stretch the state has ever offered. DeSantis made the announcement in Fort Myers, emphasizing just how important fishing and boating are to Florida’s economy, pulling in around $31 billion each year.
Why is fishing such a big deal in Florida? It’s all about access. Boaters can get out on the water easily, and the state has a reputation for being friendly to recreation on the Gulf.
The 2026 Gulf red snapper season kicks off Memorial Day weekend, May 22, and lasts through July 31 for the summer segment. Then fall picks up: September 1 through October 4 runs consecutively, followed by select three-day and two-day weekends all the way through Christmas and New Year’s, wrapping up January 4.
This record-long season isn’t just about spending more days on the water; it’s a sign of how Florida has taken over management from federal authorities and put its own data and priorities first. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) worked for years to make it happen. “We couldn’t have done this without support from everyone who cares about Florida’s Atlantic red snapper fishery,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. He also thanked Governor DeSantis and the Trump administration for backing the state’s efforts to give anglers more days on the water.
FWC Executive Director Roger Young pointed out that under DeSantis, Florida has proven it can grow red snapper access while still keeping conservation in mind. The state plans to use this same model for the Atlantic, hoping for even better results for both fish and the fishing community.
Jessica McCawley, who heads the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, announced another major step: a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season starting May 22, 2026. By expanding access and improving data collection through the State Reef Fish Survey, she says Florida is showing that smart state-led management can lead to better fishing and a sustainable future for the species.
Florida’s approach already produced big wins in the Gulf, where the season grew from just 3 days under federal control to 127 days with state management. Now, using Florida-specific data and real-time tools, the same strategy is being applied to the Atlantic.
Groups like the American Sportfishing Association and the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida are praising the move. They see these longer seasons as a boost for tourism, charter businesses, tackle shops, hotels, restaurants, and for families planning trips to the coast.
Trip Aukeman from CCA Florida highlighted that these new rules, including the expanded use of exempted fishing permits, mean less pressure on the old, restrictive two-day seasons and more flexibility for everyone.
Florida leads the nation in recreational fishing and boating, with over 4 million licensed anglers, nearly a million registered boats, and over 100,000 jobs tied to its $31 billion boating industry.
The key to this longer season? The state’s data-driven approach, especially the State Reef Fish Survey. Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel, in either state or federal waters, must register as a State Reef Fish Angler, which you can do online, and you need to renew every year even if you’re exempt from regular fishing license requirements.
In short, Florida is out front on fishing access and conservation, giving anglers more chances to get on the water and making sure there’ll be plenty of fish for the next generation to catch.
Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel, in state or federal waters, must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler (with annual renewal), even if exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Click here flgov.com for the complete statement.
