Florida Keys Lobster Season: Mini Season Dates, Limits & How to Catch Them
Lobster season in the Florida Keys is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Thousands of divers and snorkelers descend on the Keys to chase the delicious Florida spiny lobster — a clawless crustacean prized for its sweet, succulent tail meat.
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned "bug hunter," understanding the rules is essential. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers patrol heavily during lobster season, and violations can result in serious fines and even jail time.
2025-2026 Lobster Season Dates
| Season | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Season 2025 | July 30-31, 2025 | Last Wed-Thu of July |
| Regular Season | Aug 6, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026 | 8 months of opportunity |
| Mini Season 2026 | July 29-30, 2026 | Last Wed-Thu of July |
Mini season (officially called "sport season") is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. It runs from 12:01 AM Wednesday through 11:59 PM Thursday — exactly 48 hours of recreational-only harvesting before commercial traps go in the water.
🦞 What's Mini Season?
Mini season gives recreational divers first crack at lobsters before commercial fishing begins. It's wildly popular — expect crowded waters, busy boat ramps, and lots of competition. Book accommodations and boat rentals months in advance.
Bag Limits & Size Requirements
Bag Limits
| Location | Daily Limit |
|---|---|
| Monroe County (Florida Keys) & Biscayne National Park | 6 lobsters per person per day |
| Rest of Florida | 12 lobsters per person per day |
Important: Bag limits are per person actively harvesting. You cannot count people on the boat who aren't diving. No pooling catches or "double-dipping" (going out twice in one day).
Size Requirements
- Minimum carapace length: Greater than 3 inches
- Must be measured in the water before placing in your catch bag
- Carrying a measuring gauge is required — no exceptions
- If it's undersized, release it immediately
The carapace is the hard upper shell from the eyes to where the tail begins. Measure from between the eyes to the rear edge of the carapace. If it doesn't clearly exceed 3 inches, let it go.
⚠️ Critical Rules
Lobsters must be landed whole. Separating the tail from the body while on the water is illegal in Florida state waters. You can only remove the tail after you're back on land. Egg-bearing females (with orange eggs under the tail) must be released immediately — no exceptions.
Possession Limits
Possession limits determine how many lobsters you can have at any given time:
- On the water: Equal to daily bag limit (6 in the Keys)
- Mini season Day 1: Possession off water equals daily limit
- Mini season Day 2: Possession off water can be double the daily limit (if you harvested both days)
- Regular season: Same rules apply
License Requirements
To legally harvest spiny lobster in Florida, you need:
- Florida Recreational Saltwater Fishing License
- Spiny Lobster Permit (additional endorsement)
Both can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or through the Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app. You can also get them at tax collector offices and license agents.
License exemptions: Children under 16 don't need a license, but they still must follow all size and bag limit rules.
Prohibited Areas
Lobster harvesting is completely prohibited in these areas year-round:
- Everglades National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary no-take zones (Sanctuary Preservation Areas)
- Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary
- Five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park
During mini season only: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is closed to lobster harvesting.
No-take zones are marked by yellow boundary buoys. Download the free Marine Sanctuary Explorer app to see exact boundaries on your phone.
Special Rules for the Florida Keys
- Night diving prohibited: In Monroe County during mini season (one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise)
- 300-foot shoreline rule: No snorkeling or diving within 300 feet of residential or commercial shoreline, canals, or marinas during both mini season and regular season
- Dive flag required: Display a diver-down flag whenever anyone is in the water
- Idle speed within 300 feet: Boats must idle speed when within 300 feet of a dive flag
Gear You'll Need
Essential Equipment
- Tickle stick: A thin fiberglass or aluminum rod used to coax lobsters out of holes
- Lobster net: To scoop them up once they're out
- Measuring gauge: Required by law — measure every lobster in the water
- Gloves: Spiny lobsters have sharp spines that will cut your hands
- Catch bag: Mesh bag to hold your catch
- Dive flag: Required whenever you're in the water
Diving Gear
- Mask, snorkel, and fins
- Weight belt (for freediving)
- Wetsuit (optional but recommended for extended diving)
- Scuba gear (if you're certified)
How to Catch Lobster
The basic technique is called "tickle and net":
- Spot your lobster: Look under ledges, in coral holes, and around structure. Their antennae often stick out from hiding spots.
- Position your net: Place the net behind the lobster (they swim backward when startled).
- Tickle the tail: Gently tap the lobster's tail with your tickle stick.
- Catch in net: The lobster will shoot backward into your waiting net.
- Measure immediately: Check the carapace with your gauge while still in the water.
- Keep or release: If legal size, put in your bag. If undersized, release immediately.
Pro tips:
- Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hunt
- Lobsters are more active at dusk but night diving is prohibited during mini season in the Keys
- Look for antenna movement in dark holes and under ledges
- Be patient — rushing often results in missed catches
- Practice in shallow water before going deep
Where to Find Lobster in the Keys
Lobsters hide in structure — anywhere with holes, ledges, and cover:
- Patch reefs: Scattered coral formations in 10-25 feet of water
- Artificial reefs: Sunken structures that attract marine life
- Bridge pilings: The old Seven Mile Bridge has excellent structure
- Ledges and undercuts: Natural rock formations
- Grass flats: Lobsters sometimes venture onto flats at dawn/dusk
Popular areas include the Middle Keys (Islamorada to Marathon), Key Largo, and the backcountry flats. During mini season, expect heavy competition in well-known spots.
Penalties for Violations
FWC takes lobster regulations seriously. Penalties can include:
- First offense: $100-$500 fine, up to 60 days in jail
- Undersized lobsters: Fine per lobster
- Over bag limit: Escalating fines and potential felony charges
- Molesting lobster traps: Third-degree felony (up to 5 years prison)
- Possessing egg-bearing females: Serious violation
FWC officers check divers frequently during mini season. Always have your license, permit, measuring gauge, and follow all rules.
Cooking Your Catch
Florida spiny lobster is delicious and versatile:
- Grilled tails: Split, butter, and grill for 8-10 minutes
- Lobster rolls: Classic New England style with mayo and butter
- Lobster mac and cheese: A Keys favorite
- Steamed: Simple preparation lets the flavor shine
- Lobster bisque: Use the shells for incredible stock
Book Your Lobster Adventure
Find snorkeling and diving charters in the Florida Keys to chase spiny lobster with experienced local captains.
Browse Diving Tours →