Governor Ron DeSantis announced a record-breaking 126-day Gulf red snapper season during a press conference at Legendary Marine in Destin on Monday morning.
- The extended season shatters the previous record of 103 days set in 2024, continuing Florida’s expansion of recreational fishing opportunities under state management.
“This is the longest combined season that’s been available for anglers in Florida history since state management began,” DeSantis said.
The 2025 Gulf red snapper recreational season will include:
- Memorial Day weekend: May 24-26
- Summer season: June 1-July 31
- Fall season: Daily from September 1-14
- Weekend fishing: Three-day weekends through year-end
- Holiday opportunities: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving weekend, and Christmas Day
DeSantis contrasted the expanded Gulf season with federal management of Atlantic red snapper, which allowed just two fishing days last year.
“We’ve asked the President himself. Let us manage the red snapper in the Atlantic,” DeSantis said. “We will do a good job. We will have accurate data, and we’re going to be able to expand opportunities for a lot of people.”
The governor highlighted fishing’s economic impact, noting Florida has over 7,000 marine businesses supporting more than 100,000 jobs. The state leads the nation in boat registrations with over 920,000 recorded in 2023 and is home to more than 4 million licensed anglers.
Local business leaders praised the announcement as a boost for the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Clint Rogers, who oversees nine waterfront restaurants in the area as part of Saltwater Restaurant Group, emphasized the cultural and economic significance of red snapper fishing for visitors and businesses alike.
- “Red snapper is one of the most sought after fish that people want to come here and eat,” Rogers said at the press conference.
Saltwater Restaurant Group, which includes The Crab Trap, Rockin’ Tacos, Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar, and the Surf Hut, maintains its own commissary to process fresh seafood. Rogers noted the announcement provides valuable marketing opportunities for the destination.
“Our local TDC is absolutely phenomenal. This gives them more ammunition to put out there in our marketing to bring families to our area,” Rogers said.
- He also emphasized how waterfront dining experiences create lasting connections for visitors. “When you sit at our restaurants, you’re right there on the water and you’re looking at the Gulf of Mexico. You’re eating a fresh piece of red snapper. You’re making memories and that’s important and that’s part of what we do.”
DeSantis also announced his support for a vessel fuel tax holiday from Memorial Day to Independence Day, pending legislative approval, and referenced the state’s existing $5 combined freshwater and saltwater fishing license program.
The governor attributed the expanded season to improved data collection through the State Reef Fish Survey, which gathers information directly from anglers to better manage the species.
