As a lover of delicious seafood, you may be wondering – is it lobster season in Florida right now? With over 825 miles of beautiful coastline and an abundance of spiny lobsters just offshore, Florida is a prime destination for lobster fishing.
The spiny lobster is a crustacean that lacks the iconic large front claws of its Maine lobster cousin. Instead its antennae are covered in spines hence the name “spiny lobster”. These creatures are a popular delicacy and exciting catch for recreational and commercial fishermen alike.
So when exactly is Florida’s lobster season? The answer depends on what part of the state you’ll be fishing in. Let’s break it down
When is Lobster Season in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys lobster season generally begins in early August and runs through March. Here are the specifics:
-
Mini Lobster Season A 2-day sport season held on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. In 2024, mini season is July 24-25.
-
Regular Season: Starts August 6, 2024 and ends March 31, 2025.
During both mini season and regular lobster season in the Keys, the daily bag limit is 6 lobsters per person. Lobsters must be larger than 3 inches to keep. Diving at night for lobsters is prohibited in the Keys.
When is Lobster Season on Florida’s Atlantic Coast?
On Florida’s Atlantic coast, lobster season follows a different schedule:
-
Mini Lobster Season: A 2-day sport season held on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. In 2024, mini season is July 24-25.
-
Regular Season: Starts August 8, 2024 and ends March 31, 2025.
The daily limit is smaller at 12 lobsters per person, though the minimum size remains 3 inches. Night diving is allowed during both mini season and regular season.
When is Lobster Season on Florida’s Gulf Coast?
For waters off Florida’s Gulf Coast, the season dates are:
-
Mini Lobster Season: A 2-day sport season held on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. In 2024, mini season is July 24-25.
-
Regular Season: Starts August 6, 2024 and ends March 31, 2025.
The daily bag limit on the Gulf Coast matches the Keys at 6 lobsters per person. Lobsters must exceed 3 inches. Night diving is permitted during mini season and regular season.
Licenses and Permits Needed for Lobster Fishing
To legally harvest spiny lobsters in Florida, you’ll need:
- A Florida recreational saltwater fishing license
- A spiny lobster permit
Licenses can be obtained online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. They are required for both residents and visitors over 16 years old.
Know the Rules Before Heading Out
When lobster fishing in Florida, be sure to know the regulations:
- Check size correctly – measure the carapace (hard shell) underwater
- Display a dive flag when diving for lobsters
- Abide by daily bag limits based on your location
- Don’t take lobsters from traps or molest them
- Certain areas like marine sanctuaries are off-limits
FWC officers enforce the rules strictly. Penalties like citations or confiscation can ruin your lobstering experience. Refresh your memory on the latest regulations before heading out.
Tips for a Successful Lobster Hunt
To maximize your haul during Florida’s lobster season, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for lobsters hiding in crevices of coral and rock piles
- Bring a tickle stick to coax them out of tight spaces
- Go diving early in the morning
- Target areas with strong currents – lobsters congregate there
- Look for antennae sticking out of the sand and probe nearby
- Use neck snares to capture lobsters once spotted
Enjoying Your Lobster Catch
Once you’ve caught your limit, there are endless ways to enjoy these tasty crustaceans:
- Boil or grill them with butter and seasonings
- Eat lobster rolls served New England style
- Make lobster bisque or chowder
- Stuff lobster meat into tacos or pasta
- Grill lobster tails with garlic butter
So now you know exactly when you can get out on the water and harvest these delicious treats for yourself. Just don’t forget your fishing license, lobster permit, and tickle stick!
When the season opens, get ready for some spectacular lobster fishing in beautiful Florida. Just follow the rules, stay safe while diving, and your cooler will be overflowing with these succulent seafood delicacies in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lobster Season in Florida
If you’re new to hunting for spiny lobsters in Florida, chances are you have plenty of questions about the season regulations and requirements. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Where is lobster fishing allowed in Florida?
Lobstering is permitted in Florida’s territorial waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This extends from shore out to 3 nautical miles. Some exceptions are areas like Everglades National Park which are off limits.
What is the daily bag limit for lobsters?
The daily recreational bag limit varies by region. In the Florida Keys it’s 6 lobsters per person per day. On the Atlantic coast it’s 12 per person. And on the Gulf coast it matches the Keys limit at 6 per person.
What is the best technique for catching lobsters?
The optimal approach is using a tickle stick or lure to coax lobsters out of hiding spots. Alternatively, neck snares can be used to capture visible lobsters. Traps are prohibited for recreational harvesting. Night diving is also prohibited in some regions during mini season.
Do I need a license to catch lobsters in Florida?
Yes, anyone over age 16 needs a saltwater fishing license and lobster permit, for residents and visitors alike. Licenses can be obtained online through the Florida FWC website.
What is the penalty for violating lobster regulations?
Penalties for violations include citations, confiscation of illegal lobsters, fines up to $500 per violation, and possible arrest. Lobster poaching is taken very seriously.
Where can I find information on lobster season rules?
Up to date lobster season regulations for all regions of Florida can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myfwc.com.
Is lobster fishing allowed in Everglades National Park?
No, lobster harvesting is prohibited within Everglades National Park boundaries at all times during the year.
Do I need a license for lobstering on a charter boat?
Yes, you need a fishing license and lobster permit even when lobster fishing on a charter boat. The charter captain’s license does not cover passengers.
Harvesting in Florida Keys Local Waters: When and Where?
During the July two-day sport season (July 26-27, 2023) and regular lobster season, (Aug. From June 6, 2023, to March 31, 2024, you can’t snorkel or dive within 300 feet of a residential or business shoreline. This includes canals and any public or private marinas. During the two-day sport season, night diving is not allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
In Marathon, this local rule applies during the the two-day sport season.
This local rule applies in Key Colony Beach for four days before sports season starts and for another ten days after the regular season starts.
This local rule is in effect in Key West and unincorporated parts of Monroe County for the three days before sports season, during sports season, and for the first five days of the regular season.
Certain Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary zones called Sanctuary Preservation Areas, Ecological Reserves and Special-use Research Only Areas are CLOSED YEAR-ROUND for harvesting and are NO-TAKE ZONES. These areas are marked by yellow boundary buoys. New Coral Reef Protection Areas within Biscayne National Park went into effect in 2020, closing all harvest of lobster in five areas. Visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bnp
Some other places that are closed all year are Dry Tortugas National Park, San Pedro Archeological State Park, Islamorada, Biscayne Bay, Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, and the City of Layton’s man-made habitat in state waters.
It is against the law to throw away lobster and fish bodies in Keys canals because they break down quickly and hurt the ecosystem. Please dispose of this organic matter in a tightly sealed trash bag or receptacle.
Best Practices for Safety & Success
1. Measure each lobster correctly, and measure while still in the water. Carapace (hard part of shell) must measure greater than three inches!.
2. Use the dive flag. Put it UP when diving, and take it DOWN when underway. Divers must stay within 300 feet of their dive flag (or 100 feet if in a channel).
3. Six means six! Limit is six lobsters per person, per day, ALL day in Monroe County. No double-dipping trips.
4. It is a felony to damage, molest or take lobster from traps in state or federal waters. Recreational trapping is prohibited.
5. Check and replenish ALL necessary boat safety gear.
6. Idle speed when within 100 yards of a boat displaying a dive flag.
7. It is against the rules to touch coral, hit it with your dive fins, stand on coral, or anchor your boat on coral.