Florida is poised to take over recreational management of the Atlantic red snapper fishery from federal agencies, under an agreement approved by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Starting around 2026, Florida will operate under an “exempted fishery permit” to test new rules, and the move could become permanent by 2028.

For recreational anglers, this shift could bring more responsive, locally tailored rules. Currently, Atlantic anglers have extremely limited access—2025 features only two open days—while Gulf coast anglers enjoy far more. Under state oversight, Florida can propose different season lengths, bag limits, or size limits better adapted to regional conditions and stakeholder input. Public workshops are already being held to gather guidance on those choices.