Florida’s 2025 Gulf private recreational red snapper season is set to commence on Saturday, May 24, coinciding with Memorial Day Weekend. The season is open to anglers fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit. However, these charter vessels are restricted to harvesting in Florida Gulf state waters only.
Charter vessels holding a federal Gulf reef fish permit have their own separate season from June 1 to September 15. This period is determined annually by NOAA Fisheries and allows fishing for red snapper only when the recreational federal for-hire season is active.
The schedule for the private recreational season includes multiple dates throughout the year: May 24-26, 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 and November 11 (Veterans Day), November 14-16, November 21-23, November 27-30 (Thanksgiving weekend), December 5-7, December 12-14, December 19-21 and December 25-28 (Christmas weekend).
The extended season is facilitated by data collected in collaboration with anglers through Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. All individuals fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel — whether in state or federal waters — must register as a State Reef Fish Angler with annual renewal required. This registration applies even if they are exempt from fishing license requirements and can be completed at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
For further details on recreational snapper regulations, anglers are advised to visit MyFWC.com/Marine.
