FLORIDA — The recreational season for greater amberjack in Gulf state waters closed Sept. 27 and will remain closed through Aug. 31, 2026, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The FWC issued an Executive Order to align with a federal closure, effective at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 27.
According to the FWC, Gulf greater amberjack is overfished and undergoing overfishing, and it is under a federal rebuilding plan. NOAA Fisheries determined that a significant quota overage occurred in 2024, which must be deducted from the 2025 quota.
Based on that overage, NOAA determined no quota remains for the 2025 recreational season and closed the fishery in Gulf federal waters.
FWC said consistent state and federal seasons are intended to prevent further quota overages and support rebuilding of the stock.
Niceville.com Community Partner
For current recreational greater amberjack regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Amberjack.”
