January 30, 2026
Applications for FWC’s Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits project open on January 30, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications Jan. 30 for Quarter 3 (March-May 2026) of the Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits project. The application period will remain open for 11 days and will close at midnight on Feb. 9.
These projects continue the research EFPs that started in 2024 and are designed to collect better data on catch and discard rates. They are separate from the state management EFP that FWC is developing to test state management of recreational Atlantic red snapper in 2026 and 2027.
For the second consecutive year, the FWC has been awarded three EFPs by NOAA Fisheries to conduct three unique research projects. EFPs allow harvesting for specific purposes that are otherwise prohibited under current federal regulations. Although the federal Atlantic red snapper season is short, participants selected for these studies will be allowed to harvest (and keep) red snapper during a time that works for them.
So far, 2,066 anglers statewide have taken part in this exciting program. Each report submitted helps improve our understanding of the current red snapper fishery, providing better data to guide management decisions. Apply today and be part of the effort!
How to Apply
Applications for Quarter 3 for Year 2 are now open from Jan. 30- Feb. 9.
FWC Hot Spot Fleet and FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet Projects: Applicants must apply at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and participants will be selected via a lottery. Watch a video tutorial on how to apply.
FWC Study Fleet: Applicants must complete the Study Fleet Application Form and all applications will be reviewed under Study Fleet criteria prior to selection.
Atlantic Exempted Fishing Permits Project Overview
The three studies of this project take place off Florida’s east coast from the Florida/Georgia line south to the Dry Tortugas.
Two studies, the FWC Study Fleet and the FWC Hot Spot Fleet, are being conducted from the Florida/Georgia line south to the NASA vehicle assembly building in Cape Canaveral. The third study, the FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet, is being conducted from the NASA vehicle assembly building south to the Dry Tortugas.
Although each study differs slightly, all focus on testing an aggregate snapper/grouper bag limit to reduce discards, improve catch and discard reporting through an FWC app, and evaluate angler satisfaction among EFP participants compared with anglers who must follow current federal regulations.
The FWC is incredibly excited to offer this unique opportunity to Florida’s saltwater anglers for a second year. Data collected during Year 1 of the EFP project is already being incorporated into the upcoming Atlantic red snapper stock assessment. A second year of this collaboration has the potential to make a significant difference and improve fisheries management in the south Atlantic, giving us all hope for a better future fishery.
Florida recreational saltwater anglers and for-hire operators are strongly encouraged to participate. More information can be found at MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP.
Questions? Contact the FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.
