Florida’s 2025 Gulf private recreational red snapper fall season will open Sept. 1, giving anglers a series of opportunities to catch and keep the popular fish through December.
The season is open to those fishing from private recreational vessels or state-permitted charter vessels that do not have a federal reef fish permit. State-permitted charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit may only harvest red snapper in Florida Gulf state waters.
The fall season dates are:
- Sept. 1–14
- Sept. 19–21
- Sept. 26–28
- Oct. 3–5
- Oct. 10–12
- Oct. 17–19
- Oct. 24–26
- Oct. 31–Nov. 2
- Nov. 7–9
- Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)
- Nov. 14–16
- Nov. 21–23
- Nov. 27–30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
- Dec. 5–7
- Dec. 12–14
- Dec. 19–21
- Dec. 25–28 (Christmas weekend)
Florida officials said the extended fall season is made possible through the data-driven management approach of the Florida State Reef Fish Survey and angler participation in the program.
All anglers fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel, in state or federal waters, must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler. The free designation requires annual renewal and is required, even for those exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
