FWC issues executive order to close recreational harvest of gag grouper in Atlantic state waters starting August 2

At its May meeting in Ft. Myers, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to close the recreational harvest of gag grouper in state waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including all state waters off Monroe County. The 2026 recreational season will close at 12:01 a.m. on August 2. This closure date is consistent with recently announced regulations for adjacent federal waters.

Consistent state and federal recreational seasons for Atlantic gag grouper will help end overfishing and rebuild the fishery, while also helping to ensure future harvest opportunities.

To learn more about gag grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater and select “Recreational Regulations”, followed by “Reef Fish” and then “Grouper.” This page will be updated with the new season dates.

For more information about Commission Meetings, including the May 2026 Commission meeting presentation, visit  MyFWC.com/ Commission and select “Commission Meetings.”