Florida's 2024 Gulf recreational harvest season to include a record 103 days

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), April 30, 2024

Florida's 2024 Gulf of Mexico red snapper recreational season, will be a record 103 days - the longest season since the state was delegated with the management of Gulf red snapper. This season will include both a summer and fall season that will include regular and major holiday weekends.

Those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels will be able to participate in the 2024 Gulf red snapper season. The 61-day summer season will begin on June 1, 2024 and continue through July 31, 2024. The 42-day fall season - the longest fall season since the beginning of state management - will span the following weekend dates (Friday through Monday unless otherwise specified):

September 2024:
1–2 (Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend), 6–8, 13–15, 20–22, and 27–29.

October 2024:
4–6, 11–13, 18–20, and 25–27

November 2024:
1–3, 8–11 (Friday through Monday of Veterans Day Weekend), 15–17, 22–24, and 28–30 (Thursday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend)

In the event of rainy days impacting the number of fishing days, Florida will evaluate potentially adding additional dates later in the Gulf Red Snapper season.

Florida is able to offer this long season due to data driven management of the Red Snapper fishery on the Gulf Coast, which is not allowed by the Federal Government on the East Coast of the state. Consequently, the federal government’s expected Atlantic Red Snapper Season will last 0-2 days.

If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Learn about recreational snapper regulations at
myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers.