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New Spotted Seatrout Regulations Approved for Florida
February 4, 2026
FWC has approved a new regional management system for spotted seatrout, with updated regulations scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026. The new framework divides Florida into nine management regions and sets different bag limits, slot limits, and seasons by region.
For the Panhandle, recreational anglers will be able to harvest spotted seatrout from March 1 through January 31, with a February closure, a 3-fish bag limit, and a 15–19 inch slot limit. One overslot fish is allowed per vessel, or per person when fishing from shore.
This matters for guides because it changes how trips should be explained and managed with clients starting this spring. It is a good idea to review the official regional map and FWC documents before the rules go into effect.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, February 4, 2026.
Snake Watch
February 12, 2026
Rick O’Connor shared that January was a slow month for Snake Watch, with only three snakes reported in Escambia County: one eastern garter snake, one corn snake, and one cottonmouth. Cooler temperatures likely played a role in the lower number of sightings.
As temperatures begin to warm, residents are encouraged to report snake encounters by sending a photo for identification along with the location where the snake was seen.
Florida Master Naturalist Program
February 12, 2026
Escambia and Santa Rosa Extension are offering the Florida Master Naturalist Coastal Course this spring. This 40-hour course will be held on Tuesdays from March 10 through April 7 and is designed for people interested in learning more about Florida’s coastal systems through both class sessions and field experiences.
Locations for each class and field trip are listed in the posted agenda, and registration is available through the program link.
Read more / Register: Florida Master Naturalist Coastal Course
Over 5,000 invasive green iguanas removed from Florida’s ecosystems
February 4, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that 5,195 invasive green iguanas were removed from Florida’s ecosystems under Executive Order 26-03. The temporary order allowed members of the public to collect live, cold-stunned iguanas during a short period of unusually cold weather in South Florida and bring them to select FWC offices without a permit.
FWC said the effort was made possible through cooperation between residents, agency staff, and permitted partners. Of the total removed, 3,882 iguanas were turned in at the Sunrise location, with additional numbers reported from Tequesta, Marathon, and Fort Myers. The agency is no longer accepting live green iguanas from the public under that executive order.
According to FWC, green iguanas are a Prohibited invasive species in Florida because they can harm native wildlife, damage property, and affect the economy. The agency reminds the public not to bring cold-stunned iguanas indoors, since they can recover quickly and become defensive.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FWC approves final proposed rule amendments for wildlife trapping
February 4, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved final proposed rule amendments for wildlife trapping, with the changes set to take effect on December 31, 2026. According to FWC, the updates cover trap types, design specifications, placement, check times, and the handling of captured wildlife.
FWC says the revisions are intended to better align Florida’s trapping rules with national best management practices that emphasize humane, species-specific, and effective trapping methods. The changes also modernize rules that had not been substantially updated in decades.
With limited exceptions, anyone using traps to capture wildlife will need to complete free annual registration and training, and registered trappers will also be required to submit an annual trapping activity report.
Snook Sightings Requested in Alabama Waters
January 6, 2026
Snook have been reported in our bay area more often in recent years, and researchers are continuing to collect sightings from Alabama waters. According to Rick O’Connor of Escambia County Sea Grant, Dr. Charlie Martin with the University of South Alabama and Dauphin Island Sea Lab is gathering reports of common snook in the region.
If you have seen or caught a snook in Alabama waters, researchers are asking for a few basic details:
*Date (month and year)
*General location
*Estimated size
This information helps document where snook are showing up and how frequently they are being observed in local waters.
Reports can be sent using the contacts on the flyer or by email at hookedasnook@gmail.com.
Flyer contacts:
Charlie Martin — cwmartin@southalabama.edu / cmartin@disl.org / 256-504-1432
Zoey Hendrickson — zhendrickson@disl.org / 352-219-7104
Source: Rick O’Connor, Escambia County Sea Grant / Florida Sea Grant / University of Florida