Atlantic Red Snapper 2026 Season Will See Big Changes

According to Governor Desantis, the Atlantic Red Snapper Season will no longer be managed by the federal government starting in 2026. This change is expected to boost local economies and benefit the entire recreational fishing community. Bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and charter fishermen are among those who will benefit. With over 4 million licensed anglers, Florida will continue to be the fishing capital of the world. Cities like Key West are anticipated to benefit immensely.

President Trump is empowering the state of Florida by removing bureaucratic red tape. This move reverses the stringent restrictions imposed by the Biden administration on the Atlantic side fishery. Once approved, the Red Snapper Atlantic fishing season will increase from 1-2 days a year under Biden's rules to 39 days under Trump's rules.

Governor Desantis highlighted the success of state management and the expansion of the Gulf Snapper Season in 2018, which has been a significant boon for cities around the Gulf of Mexico. Under state control, the fishing season in that area was expanded from 3 days to 127 days in 2025. He anticipates similar success on the Atlantic side once the U.S. Commerce Department approves his request for state management.

“There are way more fish than what the federal government tells you there are,” DeSantis said, criticizing federal stock assessments and advocating for state-led data collection and management.

However, the plan has drawn criticism from conservation groups and some marine scientists. They argue that federal oversight ensures consistent stock assessments and safeguards against overfishing. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Fisheries agency has historically resisted state-led management of federally regulated species.

Environmental organizations have previously opposed similar expansions in the Gulf, citing risks to long-term sustainability. Some charter captains have also expressed caution, warning that a longer season could trigger stricter federal intervention if catch limits are exceeded.

All things considered, Key West will have an exciting Red Snapper fishing season in 2026. Fishing enthusiasts will certainly be looking forward to this change, and only time will tell if state control is a success.

Image provided by the State of Florida.

Sources

Foglio, Madison. “Florida Gov. DeSantis, FWC, Push to Regain State Control over Red Snapper in Atlantic Ocean.” Action News Jax, 10 Nov. 2025, https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/florida-gov-desantis-fwc-push-regain-state-control-over-red-snapper-atlantic-ocean/5RVMD3UFHVAY5GH7GEYEX7WM4A/.

“Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Management Proposal for Atlantic Red Snapper Season.” Executive Office of the Governor, 10 Nov. 2025, https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-announces-management-proposal-atlantic-red-snapper-season/.

“Governor Ron DeSantis Press Conference on Red Snapper Season.” The Florida Channel, 10 Nov. 2025, https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/11-10-25-governors-press-conference-on-atlantic-red-snapper/

Vecerina, Michelle. “DeSantis Submits Proposal for 39-Day Atlantic Red Snapper Season, Vows to End ‘Failed Federal Control.’” Florida’s Voice, 10 Nov. 2025, https://flvoicenews.com/desantis-submits-proposal-for-39-day-atlantic-red-snapper-season-vows-to-end-failed-federal-control/.