Florida will operate a 14-day recreational red snapper season October 9-22, 2026, under an exempted fishing permit approved by NOAA Fisheries. The season tests a new approach to managing the recreational fishery in both state and federal Atlantic waters.
Private recreational anglers and for-hire fishing operations can participate, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Participants must register trips through a state reporting app and comply with fishing regulations including a one-snapper-per-person bag limit.
The state will analyze data from the October season to determine whether a second season can operate in December 2026. The state closed Atlantic waters to recreational red snapper fishing effective September 22 in preparation for the fall season.