ISSUE DATE: October 22, 2025

FB25-040

CONTACT: Operations, Management, and Information Services, 727-209-5972

Extended Validity of Vessel and Dealer Permits

Key Message:

Due to the government shutdown, the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region Permits Office is notifying permit holders that some permits will remain valid beyond their stated expiration date. Consistent with 5 U.S.C. § 558, permits for which complete renewal applications are submitted to the Southeast Region Permits Office before the expiration date will be considered valid until NOAA Fisheries makes a final determination on the renewal application once the Permits Office reopens.

Background:

• Due to the government shutdown, the permit system at the Southeast Regional Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, is experiencing delays in permit renewals. The Southeast Region Permits Office is currently unable to process permit applications.
• Some individuals applied to renew their permits in a timely manner, but have not received new permits due to the shutdown.
• For permits that are expired but have timely and complete renewal applications pending at the Southeast Regional Office, the permit will remain valid beyond the stated expiration date until NOAA Fisheries makes a final decision on the application once the Permits Office reopens.
• This notification applies to all Gulf of America, South Atlantic, and Highly Migratory Species vessel permits and dealer permits.
• This notification does not apply to vessel permit transfers or requests for new permits.