Fresh stone crab is a popular meal with seafood lovers everywhere. Fishing companies can only catch Florida Keys stone crab between October and May each year. Because there is only a short time to catch stone crabs, the claws are sometimes frozen by fisheries, especially if they are going to be shipped long distances.
Stone crab season in Florida is a cherished annual tradition for seafood lovers. The sweet, succulent meat of stone crab claws is considered a delicacy across the state However, the season is relatively short, leaving many wondering exactly when it ends Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand when the stone crab season finishes up in Florida.
An Overview of Stone Crab Season
The stone crab season in Florida runs annually from October 15th through May 1st. These dates are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to allow harvesting during the period when stone crabs are most abundant.
Previously the season extended through May 15th. However, FWC shortened it by two weeks in 2020 to prevent overfishing. By closing the season on May 1st, it allows more crabs to reproduce and maintains a sustainable fishery.
During the season, both commercial and recreational fishermen are allowed to harvest stone crab claws using traps. There are strict regulations regarding size limits and a “take only one claw” rule to protect crab populations
Why the Season Ends in Early May
The stone crab season concludes on May 1st each year for a few important reasons:
-
Reproduction – Ending the season on May 1st rather than mid-May allows more egg-bearing female crabs to reproduce without disruption from harvesting. This contributes to the future health of the fishery.
-
Molting Season – Stone crabs tend to molt and regenerate their claws during the summer months. Closing the season in early May gives them time to regrow before harvesting resumes in October.
-
Population Management – Shortening the season by two weeks reduces overall harvesting pressure on stone crab populations. This prevents overfishing and maintains sustainable numbers.
-
Meat Quality – As water temperatures rise in late spring, the meat quality and taste of stone crab claws begins to decline. An earlier closure avoids harvesting lower-quality claws.
-
Storm Preparedness – Ending the season by early May allows fishermen time to maintain and repair their gear and boats before the start of hurricane season in June.
What Happens When the Season Ends?
When the stone crab season comes to an end on May 1st, all harvesting must stop. Here is what occurs when the season concludes:
-
All stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days of the season closing. They cannot be left sitting idle and unattended.
-
It becomes illegal for recreational and commercial fishermen to possess or sell any stone crab claws until the new season begins on October 15th.
-
Stone crabs continue molting and regrowing their claws throughout the summer months when they are not being actively harvested.
-
Fishermen spend the offseason repairing and replacing gear and vessels so they are ready for the next crab season.
-
Wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants rely on frozen stone crab inventory to meet customer demand during the offseason.
-
Enthusiasts eager for fresh stone crab claws must wait patiently until mid-October for the next season to commence.
Plan Ahead for the End of Season
For seafood aficionados, the end of stone crab season in Florida can be disappointing. To make the most of the final weeks, be sure to:
-
Check updated regulations each year as seasons and limits can change.
-
Place orders with trusted retailers or stock up at restaurants in late April. Inventory becomes limited as the season wraps up.
-
Properly store fresh claws in the freezer if you purchase them near the end of the season. This will allow you to enjoy them during the offseason.
-
Consider enjoying claws out of state. Stone crab is harvested along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts from October to March or April.
-
Use the offseason to refine your cooking techniques and recipes to take full advantage of the next season.
The Countdown to the New Season
As the calendar flips to May, the countdown begins to the start of the next stone crab season in Florida. Here are some tips for the waiting period:
-
Mark your calendar for October 15th when harvesting is allowed to resume.
-
Follow local seafood markets to find out when fresh claws will be available. Supply is limited early in the season.
-
Review regulations in case of any changes to size limits, bag limits, or season dates.
-
Inspect your traps, lines, and other harvesting gear if you intend to crab recreationally. Ensure it is in good working order.
-
Sharpen your culinary skills and try new recipes using frozen claws so you can make the most of fresh ones when available.
-
Line up crab orders with reputable seafood retailers in advance to secure inventory as soon as the new season opens.
Savor Responsibly
The sweet meat of Florida’s prized stone crab is a seasonal delicacy. When enjoying it, be sure to:
-
Respect all regulations and size limits when harvesting claws.
-
Only remove one claw per crab to support regeneration and survival.
-
Handle crabs gently when measuring and removing claws to avoid damage.
-
Support sustainable fishing practices and retailers committed to maintaining crab populations.
Following these best practices will help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy Florida’s treasured stone crab season for years to come.
How Can You Tell If Your Stone Crabs Are Fresh or Frozen? How do you tell if your Crab is Good or Bad?
When stone crabs are sold fresh instead of frozen, they taste better, which makes it easier for fisheries to make money. Restaurants expect new claws when they purchase stone crabs for their dining rooms. Sometimes, fishers will try to pass off frozen crabs as fresh to move their product.
You can often tell if the crabs are fresh or frozen by examining the claws sheen. If it is shiny, then it is likely a fresh Florida stone crab. Another key indicator is the texture of the meat. A fresh-cooked stone crab claw is tender and juicy but not slimy to the touch. Frozen crabs tend to have dry meat that sticks to the shell.
Every day, Billy’s Stone Crab’s fish houses get stone crab, fish, and lobster from more than 40 boats that we own and run. Our restaurant gets the best seafood from two Florida Keys fish houses, one in Summerland Key and the other in Marathon, FL. Our restaurant managers never have to worry about how fresh our crabs are because we catch them, make them, and eat them. We know our stone crabs are fresh because we catch them ourselves!.
When Is Stone Crab Season in Florida?
Stone crab claws come almost exclusively from Florida and are one of the states top commercial seafood products. Fishers can get the claws from stone crabs without killing them because the crabs can grow new limbs. Some things about stone crab fishing are regulated by Florida law, like when it is legal to do it.
Stone Crab season begins with new regulations
FAQ
What month is best for stone crabs?
Is it still stone crab season in Florida?
How long do stone crabs last?
When does stone crab harvest season start & end?
The recreational and commercial stone crab harvest seasons start Oct. 15 and remain open through May 1, closing May 2, 2022. The minimum claw size limit is 2 7 / 8 inches. As a reminder, all plastic and wood stone crab traps will need to be outfitted with a 2 3 / 16 -inch escape ring before the 2023/2024 season. Recreational Trap Registration
When is the Stone Crab season in Florida?
In Florida, stone crabs are legal to harvest from October 15 through May 1. Most fishermen use traps for harvesting stone crabs in Florida waters.
When can I harvest stone crabs?
In State Waters, the harvest season for stone crabs is open from Oct. 15 to May 1 (closed on May 2). Traps may be placed in the water 10 days prior to the opening of the season, but you may not begin harvesting until the start of the season. Harvest from egg-bearing crabs is prohibited.
Do Stone Crabs have a shorter harvest season?
The crabs that are prized for their meaty claws have a shorter harvest season to combat overfishing. Fresh stone crab claws are for sale at Frenchy’s Stone Crab Co. in Palm Harbor. Crab season runs Oct. 15-May 1, two weeks shorter than in past years, and the state has upped the claw size minimum to combat overfishing.