Summer Snapper Season Begins

TALLAHASEE, FL - Governor Ron DeSantis has announced, last April, the record-breaking 103-day 2024 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season, marking the longest season since Florida took over red snapper management in the Gulf. This extended season includes both summer and fall seasons, with major holiday weekends such as Father's Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving. "I am proud to announce that this snapper season will be the longest season since our state took over red snapper management in the Gulf," said Governor DeSantis. "Florida is proud to be the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World."

The 2024 Gulf red snapper season will be open to anglers fishing from private recreational vessels and charter vessels. The 61-day summer season commences on June 1 and runs through July 31, while the 42-day fall season, the longest since state management began, spans various weekends from September 1 to November 30, including Labor Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving weekends.

Florida's ability to offer this extended season is due to data-driven management of the red snapper fishery on the Gulf Coast, which is not permitted by the federal government on the East Coast of the state. As a result, the federal government's expected Atlantic Red Snapper Season will last a mere 0-2 days.

In case of rain impacting the number of fishing days, Florida will evaluate additional Gulf Red Snapper season dates to be added later in the season. For those planning to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if exempt from fishing license requirements, they must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com More information on recreational snapper regulations can be found at MyFWC.com/Marine