Florida Secures Massive Expansion of Red Snapper Season on the Atlantic Coast
The 2026 Atlantic season grows from 2 days to 39, while Gulf anglers get the longest stretch since state management began.
- On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state secured management of the Atlantic red snapper fishery, authorizing a 39-day season starting May 22, 2026, marking an increase of more than 1,800% from last year's two-day federal limit.
- Florida's data-driven management previously transformed the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery by extending the season from three days under federal control to a record 140 days, a success state officials credit for this Atlantic expansion.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved an Exempted Fishing Permit allowing Florida to utilize its own data and "real-time management tools" to more accurately gauge red snapper population health.
- With a boating industry worth $31.3 billion supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide, Florida's coastal communities expect significant economic activity from the expanded Atlantic season for bait shops, charter operators, and hotels.
- DeSantis credited the Trump Administration and Commerce Department Secretary Lutnick for rejecting the Biden administration's attempts at closures, while signaling Florida intends to expand these management efforts even further.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Red snapper season to be 39 days
(The Center Square) – Florida is touting the expansion of the Atlantic and Gulf red snapper fishing seasons as an example of how the state manages fishing much better than the federal government, fueling a growing $31 billion industry in…
DeSantis announces 39-day Atlantic Red Snapper Season under state management
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Florida has officially secured state management of Atlantic Red Snapper, paving the way for a signifcantly expanded recreational 2026 fishing season. Under an exempted fishing permit, or EFP, approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, and the Department of Commerce, Florida will… The post DeSantis announces 39-day Atlantic Red Snapper Season under state …
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