Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a record-breaking Gulf Red Snapper recreational season for 2025.
Governor DeSantis announced the record 126-day Gulf Red Snapper recreational season for 2025, the longest season since Florida assumed management of Gulf red snapper. The expanded season includes additional summer and fall fishing days from 2024, offering anglers more opportunities to fish over major holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.
“Florida is the fishing capital of the world—with 4 million licensed anglers and generations of families who enjoy our waters. After setting a record last year, we’re doing it again with the longest Gulf Red Snapper season in state history, giving Floridians and visitors even more time to fish on Florida’s waterways, said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “Smart state management of Gulf waters has allowed us to offer these record-breaking opportunities to Floridians year after year.”
The 2025 Gulf red snapper season is open to those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels. The summer season will begin over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 24th – May 26th, and reopen June 1st through July 31st. The fall season will include the following dates:
- September 1st –14th
- September 19th – 21st
- September 26th – 28th
- October 3rd –5th
- October 10th – 12th
- October 17th – 19th
- October 24th – 26th
- October 31st – November 2nd
- November 7th – 9th, 11th (Veterans Day)
- 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)
“We want to thank Governor DeSantis for once again demonstrating Florida’s commitment to being the Fishing and Boating Capital of the world,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “With more weekend and holiday opportunities, families will have more chances than ever to enjoy Florida’s unparalleled fishing opportunities and create long-lasting memories.”
Florida’s ability to offer this extended season is made possible by the data-driven management approach of the Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS).
In the event of weather-related closures impacting the fishing days, Florida will evaluate the option to add additional dates later in the year.
“The Gulf recreational red snapper season is a highly anticipated and celebrated event for anglers nationwide, emphasizing Florida’s exemplary fishing resources,” noted Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “This record-long season results from the strong data collected through the State Reef Fish Survey, which Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and our recreational anglers have consistently supported.”
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 online. For more on recreational snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.
