NICEVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s 2025 Gulf private recreational red snapper fall season will open on Sept. 1, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The season applies to anglers fishing from private recreational vessels or state-permitted charter vessels that do not have a federal reef fish permit. State-permitted charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit will be limited to harvesting in Florida Gulf state waters only, the FWC said.
The fall season includes the following dates:
Sept. 1–14
Sept. 19–21
Sept. 26–28
Oct. 3–5
Oct. 10–12
Oct. 17–19
Oct. 24–26
Oct. 31–Nov. 2
Nov. 7–9
Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)
Nov. 14–16
Nov. 21–23
Nov. 27–30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
Dec. 5–7
Dec. 12–14
Dec. 19–21
Dec. 25–28 (Christmas weekend)
The FWC said Florida’s ability to offer this season is made possible through its data-driven management approach and angler participation in the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS).
Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel, in state or federal waters, must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler, even if exempt from fishing license requirements. This free designation requires annual renewal and is in addition to a fishing license. Registration is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
For more on recreational snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.
