Florida Spiny Lobster Regulations

Lobstering is a great activity for all ages but it is very important to know all the regulations before you go out for a day of diving. Below is a list of the current Florida Spiny Lobster Regulations.

When is the season?

Mini Season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year (July 25 and 26 2018)

The regular lobster season runs from August 6th to March 31st each year.

Size limit

The carapace of the lobster must be larger than 3 inches and they must be measured in the water.

How to measure a Spiny Lobster (Photo by FWC)

Bag Limit

During mini season the bag limit is 6 per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park. The rest of Florida has a bag limit of 12 per person per day during mini season.

During the regular season the bag limit is 6 per person per day throughout Florida.

Permit

A saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit are required if you wish to harvest any lobster.

Florida Fishing license

Other Important Info

Harvesting any species of egg-bearing lobster is highly prohibited!

Do not disturb egg-bearing lobster! (Photo from FWC)

All lobster must be brought back to shore in whole condition. Removing the head in state waters is prohibited.

Using any device that could harm the exoskeleton or flesh of the lobster is prohibited. We prefer to use a net and a tickle stick.

Using a bully net and tickle stick to catch a lobster

A measuring device must always be present while lobstering.

BE SAFE! Make sure that you have your divers-down flag visible the entire time you are in the water

Avoid any lobster exclusion zones. There are areas around Florida and in the Keys that are sanctuaries marked to protect lobster. Removing any lobster in these areas is highly prohibited and will result in a big fine. Find out where to avoid in the Florida Keys here. 

Thanks for reading. Happy hunting:)

Sierra