Florida FWC to manage red snapper fishing in Atlantic waters, marking a major shift in oversight for recreational anglers. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will assume control from federal agencies, impacting regulations and fishing opportunities for residents and visitors along the Atlantic coast.
Florida FWC Takes Over Red Snapper Management in Atlantic
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to take over management of the recreational red snapper fishery in the Atlantic Ocean’s federal and state waters. This transition, according to officials, will occur conditionally by 2026 and could become permanent by 2028. The move follows approval from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and support from NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Currently, red snapper fishing in the Atlantic is heavily restricted, with only two open days for anglers in 2025. By comparison, the Gulf of Mexico offers 126 fishing days for red snapper. The change in management is expected to address these disparities and respond to concerns from Florida’s fishing community, much like ongoing efforts to protect other marine species such as the endangered North Atlantic right whales along the Atlantic coast.
Key Agencies Involved in Red Snapper Oversight
Red snapper fishing in the Atlantic has traditionally been managed by several federal agencies:
- South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC)
- NOAA Fisheries Service
- U.S. Department of Commerce
According to FWC, the new arrangement will place Florida in charge of both state and federal waters for recreational red snapper fishing, pending final approval and a two-year trial period under an “exempted fishery permit.”
Public Input and Community Meetings Scheduled
FWC will gather public input on red snapper management at seven in-person meetings across Florida and one virtual workshop. One of these meetings will be held in Fort Pierce on October 14. These sessions aim to inform the public and collect feedback from anglers, charter operators, and other stakeholders, similar to how Port St. Lucie residents have advocated for manatee protection in the C-24 Canal through community engagement efforts.
- October 6: Jacksonville, William “Bill” Gulliford Community Center
- October 7: St. Augustine, Willie Galimore Community Center
- October 8: New Smyrna Beach, Brannon Center River Room
- October 9: Cape Canaveral, Radisson Resort at the Port
- October 14: Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County Commission Chambers
- October 15: West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Main County Library
- October 16: Fort Lauderdale, UF Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center
- October 21: Virtual, via MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops
For more details, visit the FWC official website.
Red Snapper Regulations and Fishing Limits
According to NOAA Fisheries, the recreational bag limit for red snapper in the Atlantic is one fish per person per day, with no minimum size. The commercial trip limit is set at 75 pounds gutted weight. These restrictions are part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the red snapper population, which is classified as “undergoing overfishing” but not “overfished.”
In the Gulf of Mexico, there is no closed season for commercial red snapper fishing, but harvest is limited by an annual federal quota. The recreational season in the Gulf, now managed by Florida, offers 126 days in 2025, according to FWC.
Transition Timeline for Atlantic Red Snapper Management
The process for Florida FWC to take over Atlantic red snapper management involves several key steps:
- 2025: Only two recreational fishing days available in the Atlantic.
- 2026: Florida receives an “exempted fishery permit” to regulate and study the Atlantic red snapper fishery for two years.
- 2028: If the trial period is successful, Florida could assume permanent management of the fishery.
According to Jessica McCawley, director of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management, the state will monitor the fishery by selecting 200 anglers per quarter through a lottery to harvest and report red snapper catches. The program also includes one head boat, six charter vessels, and six private vessels, each allowed to keep up to 36 fish per trip.
Expert Opinions on State Management
Grant Gilmore, an advisory board member of Indian Riverkeeper and former research scientist at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Fort Pierce, expressed confidence in Florida’s ability to manage the fishery. Gilmore cited the resources and expertise of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg and the state’s large team of biologists.
Local charter operators, such as Terry Wildey of Big Easy Fishing Charters in Sebastian, support the move, saying it gives anglers more influence and could lead to increased fishing days, similar to the changes seen in the Gulf of Mexico. Florida’s approach to marine conservation has also been highlighted by the success of manatee viewing sites that continue to thrive despite plant closures throughout the state.
Regional and Federal Developments
In June 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster sent a joint letter supporting state management of the red snapper fishery. The U.S. House of Representatives established the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force in July to improve stock management. According to a preliminary report from SAFMC, the council agreed in September to start the process for state control.
Georgia and South Carolina are also interested in managing their own red snapper fisheries, but Florida is the first to move forward with a formal transition plan.
Ongoing Research and Data Collection
FWC has begun collecting data on red snapper catches and discards as part of the transition process. According to Jessica McCawley, the state wants to better understand the number of fish caught, released, and their sizes. This information will help shape future regulations and conservation efforts.
Officials note that the Atlantic red snapper population is still rebuilding. The changes in management are designed to balance angler access with long-term sustainability, according to official sources. Details may be updated as the process continues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida FWC Red Snapper Management
What is the Florida FWC’s new role in red snapper fishing?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will manage recreational red snapper fishing in Atlantic federal and state waters, taking over from federal agencies by 2026. This change could become permanent by 2028, according to official sources.
How many days can anglers fish for red snapper in the Atlantic?
In 2025, anglers are allowed to fish for red snapper in Atlantic waters for only two days. The number of fishing days may increase if Florida’s management plan is successful.
Are there public meetings about red snapper management in Fort Pierce?
Yes, FWC will hold a public workshop in Fort Pierce on October 14 at the St. Lucie County Commission Chambers. The meeting is open to all interested anglers and residents.
Can you keep more than one red snapper per day?
No, the current recreational bag limit in the Atlantic is one red snapper per person per day, with no minimum size, according to NOAA Fisheries and FWC.
Where are the regulations different for red snapper fishing in Florida?
Red snapper regulations differ between the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf offers a much longer recreational season, while the Atlantic is currently limited to two days, but this may change under Florida FWC management.
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