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1. Private Recreational Anglers
This season applies to those fishing from private recreational vessels or for-hire charter vessels that do NOT have a federal reef fish permit. This includes both Florida state waters (out to 9 nautical miles) and federal waters.
- Total Season Length: A record 126 days, extending through the summer and fall.
- Summer Season:
- Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26
- Daily Fishing: Sunday, June 1 – Thursday, July 31
- Fall/Holiday Season:
- Daily Fishing: Monday, September 1 – Sunday, September 14
- Weekend/Holiday Fishing (Friday-Sunday, plus special dates):
- Weekends throughout September, October, and November.
- Special Holiday Dates: Veterans Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov 27-30), and Christmas Weekend (Dec 25-28).
| Regulation Component | Florida Private Recreational Angler Rules |
| Minimum Size Limit | 20 inches Total Length (TL) |
| Daily Bag Limit | 2 fish per person |
| Special Requirement | Must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler (no cost, annual renewal required) when fishing from a private recreational vessel. |
2. Federally Permitted For-Hire Vessels
This season applies only to federally permitted charter/headboat vessels fishing in Gulf federal waters (beyond 9 nautical miles).
- Season Opens: Sunday, June 1, 2025
- Season Closes: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (at 12:01 a.m. local time)
- Total Season Length: 107 days.
| Regulation Component | Federal For-Hire Rules |
| Minimum Size Limit | 16 inches Total Length (TL) |
| Daily Bag Limit | 2 fish per person |
| Special Requirement | Vessel must possess a valid federal Gulf reef fish permit. |
Summary for Southwest Florida Anglers
- Private boaters have a long, flexible season extending into the fall, but must adhere to the larger 20-inch size minimum.
- Charter fishing clients on federally-permitted boats will fish under a shorter, but consistent, 107-day season with a 16-inch size minimum.
For the most up-to-date and complete list of the weekend/fall dates, you can always check the FWC’s official resource page:
- Resource Link: MyFWC.com/Snappers
