The purpose of this draft rule amendment is to achieve consistency between the Commission’s Reef Fish Rule on the recreational season for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and rules that NOAA Fisheries Service plans to implement on June 29, 2012. Reef fish (including red snapper) are managed in Gulf federal waters adjacent to Florida by the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, of which Florida is a voting member. The effect of this rule amendment is to allow a 40-day open season for the recreational harvest of red snapper in Gulf state waters that would contribute to the federal rebuilding plan and reduce the likelihood of exceeding the federal recreational quota for red snapper. With this rule amendment, federal and state regulations will be consistently applied. This minimizes public confusion, aids enforceability, and contributes to the overall health and status of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Rule 68B-14.0038 (Recreational Snapper Seasons) would be modified to allow the harvest of red snapper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from June 1 through July 10 each year. SUMMARY: Rule 68B-14.0038, F.A.C., (Recreational Snapper Seasons) would be modified to allow a 40-day open season for the recreational harvest of red snapper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from June 1 through July 10 each year.