Red snapper rules changed right before the season start and here is why

Florida wildlife officials acted quickly after a federal court halted South Atlantic red snapper fishing, prompting a rollback of expanded seasons. State waters will default to a recreational bag limit of two red snapper per person with a 20-inch minimum size. Governor Ron DeSantis condemned the court order as a 'bad decision' and said it will be appealed, arguing that it disrupts Memorial Day plans. The action followed commercial groups challenging exempted fishing permits for a 39-day recreational season beginning Friday. Earthjustice, supporting Ocean Conservancy, argued these permits undermine federal fisheries law and could threaten the stock.

NOAA reported an annual recreational catch limit of 22,797 fish, while a recent two-day Florida season yielded 24,885 landed. The court’s order halts the exempted permits until further notice, leaving ongoing debates about access and conservation as stakeholders seek alignment between state and federal regimes.