Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rescinded an emergency order on May 21, 2026, to allow Brevard County anglers to harvest red snapper in state waters as planned ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The move comes after a federal judge halted Florida’s expanded Atlantic red snapper season, which threatened to disrupt fishing activities in the area. Effective immediately, the recreational bag limit for red snapper defaults to 2 per person with a 20-inch size minimum, as outlined in the Florida Administrative Code. This adjustment ensures anglers can continue fishing without restrictions during the busy holiday period.
The change follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who temporarily blocked Florida’s plan to extend the red snapper season beyond federal guidelines. The decision left Brevard’s charter boat industry and recreational anglers in a difficult position, as Memorial Day weekend is a peak time for fishing trips. FWC officials said the revised regulation aims to balance conservation goals with the needs of local fishermen and tourists. The agency emphasized that the 20-inch size limit and 2-fish-per-person rule are temporary measures until federal and state authorities resolve the dispute over red snapper management.
Brevard County’s fishing industry has expressed mixed reactions to the update. Some charter captains welcomed the change, noting it allows them to offer red snapper fishing trips as scheduled. Others remain concerned about long-term impacts of the federal court’s decision on fish populations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has not commented on the ruling’s implications for future seasons but reiterated its commitment to following both state and federal guidelines.
The revised regulation applies specifically to state waters, which in Brevard County include areas near the Indian River and the Atlantic coast. Anglers are reminded to check for updates from FWC and federal agencies, as the legal battle over red snapper seasons continues. For now, the modified rules provide clarity for those planning fishing trips over the holiday, though uncertainty remains about the broader management of the species.