At a recent meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced an executive order to halt the recreational harvest of gag grouper in Atlantic state waters starting June 26, 2025. This closure includes all state waters off Monroe County and aligns with federal regulations.
"Consistent state and federal recreational seasons for Atlantic gag grouper will help end overfishing and rebuild the fishery, while also helping to ensure future harvest opportunities," stated the FWC.
The closure aims to address overfishing concerns and support the recovery of gag grouper populations. For additional details about Commission Meetings, including the presentation from May 2025, interested parties can visit MyFWC.com/Commission and navigate to "Commission Meetings."
To review current regulations on recreational gag grouper fishing, individuals are encouraged to visit MyFWC.com/Marine. The website will provide updated information regarding new season dates under "Recreational Regulations" and "Grouper."