I’m thrilled to announce that NOAA Fisheries has approved an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that will allow for a 39-day Atlantic red snapper recreational fishing season, set to begin on May 22, 2026. These EFPs, which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will run, will test an expanded fishing season to improve recreational data collection using Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey and use that data to better manage red snapper in the future, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable fishing.
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Florida anglers who have long been restricted to short fishing seasons for the last 15 years are about to experience a much longer opportunity to catch (and keep!) Atlantic red snapper, reflecting a positive shift in management.
This is a major milestone and success for Florida’s Atlantic red snapper anglers and the fishery overall. The FWC has worked relentlessly to make this day a reality for Florida’s anglers, but it would not have been possible without the widespread support from those who care about the health and access to our robust Atlantic red snapper fishery. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his continuous and consistent leadership and the Trump Administration for working with the State of Florida to support this state-led effort in providing more fishing opportunities to Floridians.
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EFP Components for the 2026 Atlantic Red Snapper Recreational Season:
- Open Season: May 22-June 20; October 2-4; October 9-11; October 16-18
- Bag Limit: 1 red snapper per person per day
- Snapper Grouper Aggregate Bag Limit: 10 fish within aggregate
- Size Limit: None
- Allowable Gear: Spear and hook-and-line (single hook only)
- Atlantic For-Hire Reef Fish Registry: For-hire operations intending to target or harvest certain reef fish (including red snapper) are required to register to participate
- Trip Declaration: All anglers are required to declare fishing trips prior to leaving the dock through a web-based application that FWC will release soon.
Florida, under the leadership of Governor DeSantis with support from members of the Florida Congressional delegation led the effort to begin the transition to state management of red snapper. Additionally, the FWC has worked closely with Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, along with numerous recreational industry partners, to expand fishing opportunities and spur economic activity in the South Atlantic.
More details about the 2026 Atlantic Red Snapper Recreational Season will be announced soon, and through a detailed website that will go live in the near future.
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Stay tuned for more details, anglers!
Questions about the EFP can be directed to [email protected].