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Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Management Proposal for Atlantic Red Snapper Season

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FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. ~ FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - In a recent announcement, Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. If approved, this permit will allow Florida to take over management of the recreational red snapper fishery in both state and federal waters off the Atlantic Coast starting in 2026.

Governor DeSantis expressed his excitement for this opportunity, stating that state management of the Gulf snapper season has been a major success and has greatly benefited local communities. He believes that extending this management to the Atlantic coast will have a similar positive impact on the fishing community and local economies.

The Trump Administration, under the leadership of Secretary Lutnick, has been supportive of the angling community since January. Earlier this year, Secretary Lutnick rejected the Biden Administration's attempt to impose sweeping closures off the coast. This move is seen as a step towards reversing decades of failed federal control and empowering state-led management. The recent actions by Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina's Governors, Attorneys General, and Congressional delegations have also contributed to this decision.

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Executive Director of FWC Roger Young stated that Florida has proven its ability to effectively manage the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery under Governor DeSantis' leadership. He believes that bringing this level of expertise to managing the fishery will benefit both conservation efforts and anglers.

Under Florida's proposed plan submitted to NOAA, there will be a 39-day Atlantic Red Snapper season starting in 2026. This is a significant increase from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025 and represents an 1850% increase in fishing opportunities for anglers. The proposed season will include weekends in May and October.

Florida's application follows a similar process used in managing the Gulf snapper season, which has seen a significant increase in fishing days since state management took over. The expanded season is expected to drive economic growth for coastal communities, benefiting businesses such as tackle and bait shops, hotels, and restaurants. Florida is already a leader in recreational fishing and boating, with over 4 million licensed anglers, 922,000 registered boats, and a $31.3 billion recreational boating industry supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide.

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Governor DeSantis also highlighted the success of the ongoing Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, which suspends sales tax on items needed for hunting, fishing, or camping in Florida's outdoors.

It is important to note that anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel in state or federal waters must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler. This registration can be done annually at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information on recreational snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine. With this new development in state management of the Atlantic red snapper fishery, Florida's anglers can look forward to more opportunities to enjoy this popular fish while also supporting local economies.

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