Red Snapper Regulations in Florida (2026)

Recreational red snapper rules in Florida saltwater, as published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Last checked November 7, 2026.

Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.

Size limit

Min. Size Limit: 16" TL

Bag limit

2 per person

Season

Season: 2026 Season: Summer Season: May 22 - July 31 (Daily); Fall…

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Red Snapper rules in Florida

Where: Gulf of America (state and federal waters unless specified)
Size limit: Min. Size Limit: 16" TL
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person (included in the 10 per harvester per day state snapper aggregate bag limit); Charter captain and crew: zero
Season: Season: 2026 Season: Summer Season: May 22 - July 31 (Daily); Fall Season: Sep. 1 - Oct. 4 (Daily); Oct. 9 - 22 (Daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., & Sun.); Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., & Sun.); Nov. 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22 (Sat. & Sun.); Nov. 26 - 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 - 6, 12 - 13, 19 - 20 (Sat. & Sun.); Dec. 25 - 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 - 4, 2027 (Daily); Season applies to: Recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters; Charter for-hire vessels that do not have a federal permit and are limited to harvest during the recreational season in Florida Gulf state waters only

Note: Reef fish gear requirements apply.

Official source

Where: Atlantic (state and federal waters unless specified)
Size limit: Min. Size Limit: No minimum size limit
Bag limit: Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person (As part of the 10 fish snapper-grouper aggregate bag limit)
Season: Season: State: Closed; Federal: Closed

Note: Reef fish gear requirements apply.
For more information, please visit the Atlantic Red Snapper State Management Season website.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 2 commercial rules

Where: Gulf
Bag limit: Gulf ONLY: Managed under an IFQ program. Must possess IFQ allocation and follow established protocols. Learn more.

Limits and seasons: see 68B-14, SAFMC, Gulf Council
SPL, RS, and federal permit
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
Gulf ONLY: Managed under an IFQ program. Must possess IFQ allocation and follow established protocols. Learn more.
FWC's commercial summary lists these rules for snappers as a group.

Official source

Where: Atlantic

Limits and seasons: see 68B-14, SAFMC, Gulf Council
SPL, RS, and federal permit
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (head & tail intact).
Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.
FWC's commercial summary lists these rules for snappers as a group.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the red snapper size limit in Florida?

Min. Size Limit: 16" TL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many red snapper can I keep in Florida?

Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person (included in the 10 per harvester per day state snapper aggregate bag limit); Charter captain and crew: zero (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is red snapper season in Florida?

Season: 2026 Season: Summer Season: May 22 - July 31 (Daily); Fall Season: Sep. 1 - Oct. 4 (Daily); Oct. 9 - 22 (Daily); Oct. 23-25 (Fri., Sat., & Sun.); Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 (Fri., Sat., & Sun.); Nov. 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22 (Sat. & Sun.); Nov. 26 - 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 - 6, 12 - 13, 19 - 20 (Sat. & Sun.); Dec. 25 - 27 (Christmas weekend); Jan. 1 - 4, 2027 (Daily); Season applies to: Recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters; Charter for-hire vessels that do not have a federal permit and are limited to harvest during the recreational season in Florida Gulf state waters only. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Red Snapper limits in other states →

More reef fish in Florida

All Florida saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Most anglers need a Florida saltwater license or registry: get one here.