There’s been a lot of news about Florida’s fishing industry, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the record 126-day Gulf Red Snapper Recreation Season in 2025, the longest season in which Florida took over the management of the Gulf Red Snapper. The expanded season has added summer and fall fishing days starting in 2024, increasing the chance to fish on large holidays such as anniversary, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.
“Florida is the world’s fishing capital and a generation of 4 million licensed anglers and families who enjoy our waters. After setting records last year, we give Floridians and visitors more time to fish in Florida’s waterways.
The 2025 Gulf Red Snapper Season is open to fishing from civilian recreational or chartered vessels. The summer season begins on the anniversary weekend from May 24th to May 26th and resumes from June 1st to July 31st. The fall season includes the following dates:
September 1st – 14
September 19th-21st
September 26th-28th
October 3rd to 5th
October 10th-12th
October 17th-19th
October 24th-26th
October 31st – November 2nd
November 7th – 9th, 11th (Veterans’ Day)
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November 14th-16th,
November 21st-23rd
November 27th-30th (Thanksgiving weekend)
December 5th-7th
December 12th-14th
December 19th-21st
December 25th-28th (Christmas weekend)
Florida’s ability to provide this extended season will be made possible by Florida State Reeffish Survey (SRFS) data-driven management approach.
If weather-related closures occur that affect fishing day, Florida will evaluate the option to add a Gulf Red Snapper later in the year.
Anyone who fishes for a red snapper from a private recreation vessel in state or federal waters will still be registered as a state reeffish angler (with annual renewal) even if they exempt the fishing license requirements. Registration is available at gooutdoorsflorida.com.
For more information about the recreational snapper regulations, please visit myfwc.com/marine.
