Florida’s 2025 Gulf Red Snapper Season for Private Recreational Anglers Opens May 24
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding anglers that the 2025 Gulf red snapper season for private recreational fishing kicks off Saturday, May 24, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
This season is open to anglers fishing from private recreational vessels and charter boats without a federal reef fish permit. These charter vessels are limited to fishing in Florida Gulf state waters only.
Charter boats that do have a federal Gulf reef fish permit follow a separate schedule, established by NOAA Fisheries, running June 1 through September 15. These vessels may only fish for red snapper during the federally designated for-hire season.
2025 Gulf Red Snapper Season Dates for Private Recreational Anglers:
May 24–26 (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 1 – July 31
September 1–14
September 19–21
September 26–28
October 3–5
October 10–12
October 17–19
October 24–26
October 31 – November 2
November 7–9, 11 (Veterans Day)
November 14–16
November 21–23
November 27–30 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
December 5–7
December 12–14
December 19–21
December 25–28 (Christmas Weekend)
This extended season is possible thanks to data collected in partnership with anglers through Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey.
Important Reminder:
Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel — in either state or federal waters — must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler. Registration is required annually and applies even if you are otherwise exempt from holding a fishing license. You can register at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
For full details on red snapper regulations and requirements, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.
