👤 Who: Governor Ron DeSantis, FWC Executive Director Roger Young, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
🎣 What: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to assume management of the Atlantic red snapper fishery
📅 When: Announced November 2025; management would begin in 2026 if approved
📍 Where: FERNANDINA BEACH, covering Atlantic state and federal waters off Florida’s coast
💡 Why: To expand recreational fishing opportunities, boost local economies, and mirror successful Gulf red snapper management
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Florida has formally requested approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce to assume management of the Atlantic red snapper recreational fishery beginning in 2026. The proposal, submitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), would transfer management authority from federal agencies to the state and substantially expand fishing opportunities for anglers along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
The FWC’s application, known as an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), was formally sent to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. If approved, the permit would authorize Florida to regulate the Atlantic red snapper fishery in both state and federal waters off its Atlantic shoreline. The change would mirror a similar management transition that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, which state officials say has led to a longer season and more consistent fishing opportunities.
Governor DeSantis said that state-level management has been effective in the Gulf and can deliver similar benefits to Florida’s east coast fishing community.
“State management and expansion of Gulf snapper season have been a major boon for our Gulf of America communities, allowing so many Floridians and visitors to enjoy the red snapper our waters have to offer,” DeSantis said. “Florida anglers will soon be able to enjoy more Atlantic Red Snapper fishing as well. Just as it has on the Gulf Coast, Florida’s management of Atlantic Red Snapper fishing will boost local economies, supporting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and the entire recreational fishing community.”
Since taking over management of the Gulf red snapper fishery several years ago, Florida has expanded that season from three days to 127 days — an increase of 1,850%. State officials point to that success as evidence that Florida can manage the Atlantic red snapper population responsibly while supporting local economies.
FWC Executive Director Roger Young said the agency’s experience managing the Gulf fishery demonstrates its capacity to handle the Atlantic transition effectively.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the state has expanded access and delivered greater opportunities for anglers in the Gulf year after year,” Young said. “We are excited and ready to bring this level of expertise to manage the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery.”
According to the Governor’s Office, the expansion of the Atlantic red snapper season is expected to generate additional economic activity for coastal communities. Longer fishing seasons can lead to increased spending at marinas, tackle and bait shops, hotels, and restaurants, as well as additional business for charter fishing operators and boat service providers.
Florida continues to lead the nation in recreational fishing and boating, with:
More than 4 million licensed anglers statewide
922,000 registered boats — more than any other state
A $31.3 billion recreational boating industry supporting more than 100,000 jobs.
The Governor also noted that the state continues to promote outdoor recreation through initiatives like the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, which suspends sales tax on items used for hunting, fishing, and camping.
Florida’s proposal comes as part of a broader regional effort by Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to increase state control over Atlantic coastal fisheries. Governors, attorneys general, and congressional delegations from all three states have expressed support for allowing states to manage their nearshore and offshore recreational fisheries.
The EFP submission will be reviewed by NOAA and the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will evaluate Florida’s proposed data collection and management plans. Public comment and interagency coordination are expected to be part of the review process before final approval.
If approved, the transition to state management would take effect in 2026, giving Florida full authority to set season dates, size limits, and catch limits within the framework of conservation standards.
All recreational anglers targeting red snapper—whether in state or federal waters—must register as State Reef Fish Anglers through the FWC. Registration is free and can be completed online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Anglers must renew annually, even if they are exempt from standard fishing license requirements.
For more information about current red snapper regulations and updates on the state’s management proposal, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.
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