Current FWC regulations

Season
Gulf state and federal waters — Private recreational anglers
2026: May 22 – Jul 31 daily; additional fall/holiday days beginning Sep 1 – Jan 4, 2027 (140-day season)
Gulf federal waters — Federal charter/headboat
2026: Jun 1 – Oct 26
Atlantic state and federal waters
Oct 9 – 22, 2026, under FWC's exempted fishing permit. Private and for-hire anglers must declare each trip in the FWC Atlantic Red Snapper Reporting app and carry the declaration and the permit.
Size limit
16" TL minimum (Gulf); no minimum size (Atlantic, Oct 9 – 22, 2026 season)
Bag limit
Gulf: 2 per person / day, included in the 10-snapper aggregate. Atlantic (Oct 9 – 22, 2026): 1 per person / day, no minimum size, within the 10-fish snapper-grouper aggregate. Captain and crew: zero.
Legal gear
Non-stainless circle hooks required when using natural bait for reef fish beyond state waters. Descending device required on board. Atlantic Oct 9 – 22, 2026 season: single-hook hook-and-line or spear only.
Notes
State Reef Fish Angler designation (free, annual) required for private anglers 16+ fishing for red snapper, gray triggerfish, gag, greater amberjack, or lesser amberjack from a private vessel in Gulf state and federal waters. Season dates and rules change frequently — always verify current rules at MyFWC before your trip.

These limits are summarized from public FWC data and reviewed monthly. Florida regulations can change on short notice — always verify at MyFWC.com/Fishing before keeping a fish.

Best time to fish

Gulf private recreational season 2026: May 22 – July 31 daily, plus fall weekend sessions (Sept-Dec). Verify at MyFWC before every trip — dates shift.

Best baits and tackle

Live pinfish, cigar minnows, threadfin herring. Cut bait: bonito, squid. Vertical jigs work great in deeper water.

Where to find them

Structure in 60-300+ ft: wrecks, ledges, artificial reefs, natural bottom. Best water depths: 80-180 ft along the Gulf reef line.

Sources Cross-referenced with the FWC Saltwater Regulations and FWC Freshwater Regulations. Reviewed July 2026.

Species photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons contributors and public agencies (USFWS / NOAA / state fisheries). Licensed CC-BY, CC-BY-SA, or public domain.