Knowledge Center

Alright, fellow ocean lovers and seafood aficionados, mark your calendars! One of Florida's most unique and exhilarating traditions is almost upon us: the Mini Lobster Season! This isn't just any fishing trip; it's a thrilling, two-day underwater treasure hunt for the highly sought-after Florida Spiny Lobster. If you've ever dreamt of catching your own dinner straight from the crystal-clear waters, this is your chance!

What Exactly Is Mini Lobster Season?

Often called the "Sport Season," this brief, intense period allows recreational divers and snorkelers to harvest spiny lobsters before the larger, longer regular commercial season kicks in. It's a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the thrill of the chase without competing directly with large-scale commercial operations. The waters buzz with excitement as boats dot the horizon and divers explore the reefs, tickle sticks and nets in hand.

When is the Mini Lobster Season?

The Mini Lobster Season always takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July.

For 2025, that means the dates are:

• Wednesday, July 30th

• Thursday, July 31st

It begins at 12:01 AM on Wednesday and ends at midnight on Thursday. Get ready for 48 hours of pure lobster-hunting adrenaline!

Essential Rules and Regulations (Don't Get Pinched by the Law!)

While the mini-season is all about fun, it's crucial to understand and adhere to the regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to ensure a safe and sustainable harvest for everyone. Breaking these rules can lead to hefty fines and even jail time, so pay close attention!

Here are the key takeaways:

• License Required: You must have a valid Florida recreational saltwater fishing license with a spiny lobster permit. No exceptions!

• Bag Limits:

  • Monroe County (Florida Keys) and Biscayne National Park: 6 lobsters per person per day.

  • Rest of Florida: 12 lobsters per person per day.

  • Possession Limits: On the water, your possession limit is the same as your daily bag limit. Off the water, on the second day, you may possess double the daily bag limit (e.g., 12 in Monroe County, 24 elsewhere).

• Size Limit: The lobster's carapace (the hard upper shell) must be larger than 3 inches. This measurement is taken from the forward edge between the rostral horns (the pointy bits on their head) to the rear edge of the carapace. You must measure the lobster in the water before bringing it onto your boat or ashore.

• Measuring Device: You are required to have a lobster measuring device with you in the water at all times.

• No Night Diving in Monroe County: During the mini-season, night diving (one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise) is prohibited in Monroe County (the Florida Keys).

• No Spears or Puncturing Devices: You cannot use anything that could puncture, penetrate, or crush the lobster's shell or flesh. This means no spears or spear guns. Lobsters are typically caught by hand, tickle stick, or net.

• Whole Condition: Lobsters must remain in whole condition until you land ashore. You cannot "wring" (separate the tail from the body) them while on the water. Once ashore, if you separate the tail, it must be longer than 5 ½ inches.

• No Egg-Bearing Females: It is illegal to harvest or possess egg-bearing female lobsters (they'll have visible orange or black eggs under their tails, often called "berried" lobsters). If you find one, release it gently!

• Prohibited Areas: Certain areas, such as Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs), Ecological Reserves, and no-take zones within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, are closed year-round to lobster harvest. Always check your charts and be aware of yellow boundary buoys marking these areas. Harvesting is also prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (during mini-season), Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Some local ordinances also restrict lobstering near shorelines, canals, and marinas.

Gear Up for Success!

To make the most of your mini-season adventure, you'll need a few key items:

• Valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License with Lobster Permit (as mentioned, non-negotiable!)

• Dive Flag: Always display your dive flag properly to alert other boaters to your presence.

• Mask, Snorkel, and Fins (or Scuba Gear): Essential for underwater exploration.

• Tickle Stick: A thin rod used to gently coax lobsters out from under ledges or rocks.

• Net (or Lobster Snare/Looper): To capture the lobster once it's out of its hiding spot.

• Gloves: Spiny lobsters are, well, spiny! Gloves protect your hands from their sharp antennae and body.

• Lobster Measuring Gauge: Absolutely critical for verifying legal size in the water.

• Catch Bag: To safely store your legal lobsters.

• Cooler with Ice: To keep your catch fresh.

Where to Go?

While spiny lobsters can be found throughout Florida's coastal waters, the Florida Keys are legendary for mini-season. Places like Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West become bustling hubs of activity. The clear waters and abundant reefs offer prime hunting grounds. However, remember that these areas will be very crowded, so plan ahead and be patient! Many divers also find success off the coasts of Miami, Broward, Collier, and Lee counties.

Stay Safe, Be Responsible!

The mini-season is incredibly exciting, but safety should always be your top priority.

• Dive with a buddy.

• Check weather conditions before heading out.

• Be aware of boat traffic and always use your dive flag.

• Protect our reefs! Avoid touching coral, standing on it, or anchoring on it.

• Dispose of all trash and lobster carcasses properly on land.

Official Government Resources for More Information:

To ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information, always consult the official sources:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Spiny Lobster Regulations: This is your primary source for all rules, regulations, and season dates.

  • https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spiny-lobster/

• FWC Lobster Brochure (often provides a concise overview): You can often find printable brochures on the FWC site by searching "spiny lobster brochure."

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Provides information on no-take zones and protected areas in the Keys.

  • https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/

The Florida mini lobster season is more than just a hunt; it's a cherished annual event that brings people together, fosters a connection with our incredible marine environment, and culminates in some of the freshest, most delicious seafood you'll ever taste. Get prepared, know the rules, and get ready to catch some bugs! Happy lobstering!