Florida lobster mini-season gets underway. Here's what to know.
The recreational two-day season started Wednesday, July 30, at 12:01 a.m. and will end at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 31.
The regular lobster season begins August 6 every year and runs through March 31.
While Florida has three varieties of lobster, state wildlife officials say that most fishermen prefer the Florida spiny lobster, also known as the Caribbean spiny lobster.
The spiny lobster inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Normally, the best time to catch a Florida spiny lobster is at night since lobsters stay in their dens during daylight hours to avoid predators and only come out after dark to look for food.
According to state law, during the two-day sport lobster season, divers and snorkelers can take up to six lobsters per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, and 12 per person per day for the rest of Florida.
Learn more about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest and other regulations at MyFWC.com. If you plan to lobster in the Keys, another great resource is the Monroe County Tourist Development Council website KeysLobsterSeason.com.
Licenses and spiny lobster permits can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. The fishing/lobster combo costs $34.
There are several regulations for lobster harvesting. One is if the carapace or shell of the lobster is not 3 inches or more, you can't take them.
According to the 2023 Florida Statutes, a first conviction for violating lobster season rules can result in a fine of at least $100 and up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both. A second or subsequent conviction within 12 months can result in a fine from $250 to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
When lobstering in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if near an inlet or navigation channel.
Care should be taken around corals and other marine life.
Other Regulations:
Click Here for more lobster mini-season rules and regulations from the FWC.
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6 days ago
- CBS News
Florida lobster mini-season gets underway. Here's what to know.
Florida's two-day lobster mini-season is officially underway. The recreational two-day season started Wednesday, July 30, at 12:01 a.m. and will end at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 31. The regular lobster season begins August 6 every year and runs through March 31. While Florida has three varieties of lobster, state wildlife officials say that most fishermen prefer the Florida spiny lobster, also known as the Caribbean spiny lobster. The spiny lobster inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Normally, the best time to catch a Florida spiny lobster is at night since lobsters stay in their dens during daylight hours to avoid predators and only come out after dark to look for food. According to state law, during the two-day sport lobster season, divers and snorkelers can take up to six lobsters per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, and 12 per person per day for the rest of Florida. Learn more about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest and other regulations at If you plan to lobster in the Keys, another great resource is the Monroe County Tourist Development Council website Licenses and spiny lobster permits can be purchased at The fishing/lobster combo costs $34. There are several regulations for lobster harvesting. One is if the carapace or shell of the lobster is not 3 inches or more, you can't take them. According to the 2023 Florida Statutes, a first conviction for violating lobster season rules can result in a fine of at least $100 and up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both. A second or subsequent conviction within 12 months can result in a fine from $250 to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both. When lobstering in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if near an inlet or navigation channel. Care should be taken around corals and other marine life. Other Regulations: Click Here for more lobster mini-season rules and regulations from the FWC.
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