Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2026 Gulf season will span 140 days, the longest Gulf red snapper season since Florida assumed management and reflects the state’s continued commitment to expanding access and fishing opportunities for anglers.
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)
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.
