The annual Florida Keys spiny lobster mini-season, a highly anticipated event for recreational harvesters, is set to begin on July 29 and 30. To ensure a safe and compliant experience, local authorities and publications like Keys Weekly have provided a detailed rundown of the essential rules and regulations.

Licensing and Permits

All recreational lobster hunters must possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license along with a current spiny lobster permit. These can be obtained online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at gooutdoorsflorida.com or by contacting 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA.

Size and Condition Requirements

Spiny lobsters must meet a minimum carapace length of greater than 3 inches. This measurement must be taken while the lobster is in the water, from the front edge between the rostral horns to the rear edge of the carapace, excluding any soft tissue. If a lobster gauge fits over the end of the carapace, the lobster is considered too short and must be released. Furthermore, all recreationally harvested lobsters must remain whole while at sea.

Protected Lobsters and Egg-Bearing Females

Egg-bearing (berried) spiny lobsters are strictly protected and must be released unharmed. The practice of removing eggs from these females or possessing lobster tails from which eggs have been stripped is prohibited. Egg masses are typically orange, yellow, brown, or red and are found on the underside of the lobster's tail.

Harvesting Methods and Restrictions

During the mini-season, bully netting is the only legal method for harvesting lobsters at night, which is defined as the period from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Night diving is permitted during the regular season but is specifically prohibited during the mini-season. The possession of bully nets or hoop nets is also forbidden within Everglades National Park.

Artificial Habitat and Commercial Traps

Creating artificial habitats for lobsters using materials such as cement blocks or pipes is illegal. Harvesting lobsters from artificial habitats in state waters is also prohibited. Additionally, it is a felony offense to damage or take lobsters from commercial traps.

Diver Safety and Vessel Regulations

A diver-down flag must be clearly displayed whenever divers or snorkelers are in the water. Vessels approaching a dive flag must reduce their speed to idle when within 300 feet of the flag in open water or within 100 feet in canals. The flag must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches if flown from a buoy, or 20 inches by 24 inches if attached to a vessel or structure. Flags should be flown from the highest point of a vessel and be visible from all directions. Divers are advised to remain within 100 feet of their dive flags in channels and within 100 yards in open water.

Restricted Zones and Local Ordinances

Many Keys municipalities have implemented specific regulations to prevent conflicts over lobster harvesting areas. These rules often establish “no-go” zones near private property. In areas such as Islamorada, Key West, and unincorporated Monroe County, diving or snorkeling is prohibited within 300 feet of enhanced residential or commercial shorelines, private canals, or marinas during the three days preceding the sport season, the entirety of the sport season, and the first five days of the regular season. Marathon has similar restrictions only during the sport season, while Key Colony Beach applies them from four days before the sport season through ten days after the regular season opens. The city of Layton has a complete ban on lobster harvesting within its city limits.

Protected Areas

Several marine areas are designated as protected zones where lobster harvesting is restricted or prohibited. These include various reefs and sanctuaries such as Carysfort Reef, the Elbow, Key Largo Dry Rocks, Grecian Rocks, French Reef, Molasses Reef, Conch Reef, Davis Reef, Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef, Coffins Patch, Sombrero Key, Newfound Harbor Key, Looe Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key, Sand Key, Tennessee Reef, Looe Key Patch Reef, Eastern Sambo, Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park Coral Reef Protection Areas, the city of Layton, and John Pennekamp State Park Lobster Exclusion Zones.

Lionfish Challenge Bonus

Recreational lobster hunters have an opportunity to increase their daily bag limits by participating in the FWC's annual Lionfish Challenge. Successful completion of the challenge and submission of proof of harvesting a minimum of 25 lionfish can earn participants a bonus. For the 2026 season, the challenge coin allows for one additional lobster per day. Detailed instructions for participation and proof submission can be found at reefrangers.myfwc.com/lionfish-challenge. It is important to note that this increased bag limit applies only to the individual who completed the challenge and possesses the coin, not to other divers on the vessel. Those interested in participating in future years can bookmark the information for the 2027 season.