FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the expansion of red snapper seasons in 2026.

“Florida is the most angler-friendly state in the nation, and under my leadership, we are committed to expanding and protecting recreational fishing opportunities,” said Governor DeSantis. “With a record 39-day Atlantic red snapper season and a record-breaking 140-day Gulf red snapper season, Florida is empowering our anglers, protecting our waters, strengthening our coastal economy. And this is just the beginning.”

Florida’s Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) was approved, which allows the state to manage the recreational Atlantic red snapper fishery in both state and federal waters.

“…Florida will implement a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season in 2026, a significant expansion from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025—an increase of more than 1,800 percent,” DeSantis said.

That season will include the following:

Summer Season:

May 22 (Memorial Day Weekend) through June 20

Fall Season:

Three-day weekends in October (October 2–4, 9–11, and 16–18)

Here are the 2026 Recreational Red Snapper Season dates:

Summer Season:

May 22 (Memorial Day Weekend) through July 31

Fall Season:

Sept. 1 – Oct. 4 (Consecutively)October 9 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25, 30 – November 1 (3-day weekends)November 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 (2-day weekends)November 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving weekend)December 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20 (2-day weekends)December 25 – 27 (Christmas weekend)January 1 – 4 (Consecutively)

“This is a major milestone and success for Florida’s Atlantic red snapper anglers and the fishery overall. 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,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “We 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.

“Florida has already demonstrated that it can manage the recreational red snapper fishery with precision and results. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the state has consistently expanded access and created more opportunities for anglers in the Gulf, while upholding a firm commitment to conservation. We’re ready to apply that same proven expertise to the Atlantic and deliver even stronger outcomes for both the resource and the fishing community,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the way, and with approval from NOAA Fisheries, we’re opening the door to a 39-day recreational season starting May 22, 2026. This is a major step forward, giving anglers meaningful new opportunities to catch and keep Atlantic red snapper while strengthening our commitment to conservation,” said FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley. “By pairing expanded access with improved data collection through Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey, we’re proving that smart, state-led management can deliver both better fishing experiences and a more sustainable future for this iconic species. FWC would like to thank Congressman Rutherford and the Red Snapper Congressional Task Force, along with members of the recreational industry, for their strong support that got us to where we are today.”

“Florida’s EFP is a monumental step in turning Atlantic red snapper conservation success into a management success story,” said Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association Martha Guyas. “ASA is grateful to Governor DeSantis for leading the way on red snapper management that delivers better data and better access to this world class fishery for Florida anglers.”

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.