Florida sets 2026 recreational greater amberjack season in Gulf waters

Florida – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced a change to the 2026 recreational fishing season for greater amberjack in state waters of the Gulf of America.

The FWC issued an executive order during its August meeting in Panama City, setting the recreational season to open on Sept. 1 and remain open through Oct. 13. The season will officially close at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 14.

The dates are intended to match the recreational fishing season recently announced by NOAA for nearby federal waters. Officials say keeping the state and federal seasons aligned is important for managing the greater amberjack fishery and avoiding problems with the recreational quota.

The coordinated schedule is also designed to support the continued rebuilding of the greater amberjack stock. By using the same season dates in state and federal waters, Florida and federal fisheries managers hope to reduce the risk of the recreational quota being exceeded.

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Anglers who plan to target greater amberjack, as well as certain other reef fish species, from a private recreational vessel have an additional requirement. They must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation, which must be renewed each year.

The designation is part of the State Reef Fish Survey, a program that collects information about recreational fishing activity in Florida. Anglers who register could be selected to receive a mail survey as part of the program.

The information gathered through the survey is now being used in the management of greater amberjack. According to the FWC, anglers who participate can help provide data that will be used to improve fisheries management and potentially increase recreational fishing opportunities in the future.

The survey is intended to give wildlife officials a better understanding of recreational fishing activity and help inform decisions about reef fish populations and seasons.

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Anglers should also check the latest regulations before heading out, since rules can change and different requirements may apply to particular species or fishing situations.

Current recreational regulations for greater amberjack and other saltwater species are available through the FWC’s marine fishing information. Anglers can find the greater amberjack rules by selecting “Recreational Regulations,” then “Reef Fish” and “Amberjack.”

The 2026 greater amberjack season in Florida’s Gulf state waters will therefore provide anglers with a limited window to target the species, beginning Sept. 1 and ending shortly before midnight on Oct. 14.