Florida Lobster Season: Everything You Need to Know for Success

by Pablo Koch-Schick

Welcome to Florida Lobster Season, an underwater treasure hunt that lobster lovers wait all year for! If you’ve ever dreamed of catching your own lobster dinner, Florida is the place to do it, especially when Caribbean spiny lobster season rolls around.

Whether you're a veteran diver or just looking to savor that fresh-caught lobster dinner, this guide has all the tide-turning info and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Red lobster on a rock with a scenic background, highlighting Florida Lobster Season.

When Is Florida Lobster Season?

  • Mini season (a.k.a. sport season, lobster mini, or mini lobster season): the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July — July 30–31, 2025. This two-day blitz gives recreational divers exclusive access before commercial traps flood the waters.

  • Regular lobster season begins on August 6 and runs until March 31, offering nearly eight months of spiny lobster season fun.

  • Harvesting spiny lobsters is closed during the last two weeks of March, allowing spawning lobsters to repopulate.

Where Can You Catch Lobsters?

  • The Florida Keys (Monroe County) are a lobster-lovers' paradise, especially around Key West, Islamorada, Marathon, and Big Pine Key, where Caribbean spiny lobster thrive in reefs and grass flats.

  • Other hotspots include Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Just be mindful of coral reef protection areas and no-take zones.

What Lobster Species Swim in Florida Waters?

  • Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus): the star of the show. These clawless crustaceans are smaller than the American lobster but no less delicious.

  • American lobster sightings are rare; most you’ll catch are spiny lobster.

  • In deeper waters (over 100 ft), you might encounter the elusive shovelnose lobster, though it's not commonly targeted.

Colorful array of lobsters on ice, showcasing the bounty of Florida Lobster Season.

Gear & Know-How: How Do You Catch Lobsters?

  • Tickle stick & net (or trap) are your go-to tools.

    • Gently poke a lobster’s tail with the tickle stick, coaxing it backward into a net.

  • Scuba or snorkel? Both work.

    • Night diving is popular statewide, but during the mini-season in Monroe County, it’s prohibited from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

  • Optional but helpful: lobster trap (bully net), gloves, and a measuring device (metal gauge), typically worn on your wrist or BC.

If you prefer to spend your time at a more leisurely pace, then check out our guide to things to do in St. Pete Beach!

Licenses, Permits & Regulations

A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are mandatory; residents often get both bundled.

  • No spears or hooks, take lobsters by hand or net only.

  • Flagging: Deploy a diver-down flag (20 × 24 in. — or 28 × 36 in. for boats over 26 ft) and follow idle-speed rules near crowded zones.

If you’re wondering where you can still enjoy some fishing without a license in Florida, check out our guide to a few special spots where licenses aren't required for casual casting.

Stack of lobster traps ready for use during Florida Lobster Season.

Daily Bag Limits

  • Monroe County (Florida Keys):

    • 6 lobsters per person per day applies to both the lobster mini season and the regular season

    • Even during the mini season, you cannot exceed six per day

  • All Other Florida Counties:

    • 6 lobsters per person per day during both mini and regular season

    • On the second day of mini season, you may possess up to 12 lobsters total if you also caught 6 the day before

Minimum Size Limit

  • Lobsters must have a carapace length of at least 3 inches

  • You must measure them in the water before placing them in your bag

  • Always carry a measuring device; it’s not optional

Prohibited Areas (No Lobster Harvesting Allowed)

  • Biscayne National Park

  • Everglades National Park

  • Dry Tortugas National Park

These are federally protected zones, and harvesting here is strictly off-limits year-round

erson holding a large lobster by the dock during Florida Lobster Season.

Additional Possession Rules

  • You must keep the lobster tail and body intact while on the water and until you're back at your residence or dock

  • Splitting or separating lobsters at sea is illegal

  • The possession limit mirrors the daily bag limit, so don't stash extras on the boat or in the cooler.

Best Time to Go & Pro Tips

  • Mini season: best when you're early! Reefs are unplundered by commercial traps, but crowds and charters are fierce.

  • Regular season: peak months are August–October, though lobster can still be caught through March.

  • Scout spots ahead: Chart GPS of lobster dens and return on opening days, local guides often have this edge.

  • Weather check matters: wind, currents, and visibility all affect your hunt.

Why Book a Lobster Charter?

Charter benefits include:

  • Local knowledge on reefs, tides & no-take zones.

  • All gear supplied, nets, tickle sticks, measuring device, life jackets, and cooler storage.

  • Family-friendly and all skill levels welcome, from novice lobster lovers to seasoned divers.

  • Ensure you’re legal and safe; charters abide by FWC rules and often include insurance.

  • Nightly bully-netting charters offer a thrilling twist, especially around Key West, Marathon, and Islamorada.

Coral, Park & Sanctuary Awareness

  • No-take marine preserves exist in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, Everglades, and five coral reef zones.

  • Anchoring, spearfishing, or lobster harvesting in these areas is strictly prohibited; fines and confiscation may follow.

  • Always review local FWC maps, NOAA charts, or use guided charters to stay legal.

Safety & Prep Checklist

  • Confirm weather and sea forecasts; strong wind or rain can cancel dives.

  • Bring your own life jacket, tickle stick, net, gloves, medical kit, sunscreen, and water.

  • Always fly a diver-down flag.

  • Consider traveling in a group or choosing a veteran-operated charter for added experience.

Cooking Tips & Post-Surf Rituals

  • Boiling: classic method, tender, juicy, perfect for dipping in butter.

  • Grilling: slight smoke flavor with garlic-lemon butter, ideal for outdoor cookouts.

  • Lobster salad and lobster thermidor are upscale options.

In the Keys, many restaurants offer cook-your-catch, so bring your fresh haul and enjoy seaside grilling at places like Key West’s Hurricane Hole or Dante’s. If you're closer to Tampa Bay, don’t miss our roundup of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg, where you can celebrate your lobster day with a top-tier meal and maybe even a cocktail or two.

After a day of diving or pulling traps, wind down with a breezy sunset cruise in St. Pete, it’s the perfect way to toast a successful catch while soaking in Gulf Coast beauty. With dolphins on the horizon and your lobster haul chilling in the cooler, it’s Florida living at its finest.

Quick Pre-Lobster Season Wins

  1. Mark calendars: Mini Season July 30–31; Regular August 6–March 31.

  2. Get a license + spiny lobster permit through the Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offices.

  3. Bring proper gear and a safety kit.

  4. Stay legal in bag/possession limits and reef zones.

  5. Book a charter early, they fill fast during the mini.

  6. Scout reefs early, check the weather, and dive safely.

  7. Enjoy catching AND cooking your lobster feast, Florida-style!

Why Reel Coquina Is Your Best Lobster Charter

At Reel Coquina, we go beyond the basics:

  • Local-expert captains who know hidden reefs and abiding FWC regulations.

  • All-inclusive charters: tackle nets, measuring device, gloves, and life jacket provided.

  • Family-friendly trips that cater to beginners, no experience required.

  • Charter add-ons: night bully-netting, post-trip beach BBQ, or sandbar stops.

  • Adventure meets education: Learn tickle-stick techniques, reef ecology, and lobster biology (how to measure carapace, spot lobster antennae, respect coral reef protection areas).

  • Safety-first approach: We check conditions, deploy diver-down flags, enforce idle speed, and use insured vessels, so your lobster trip ends with bragging rights and zero regrets.

Want to up the thrill even more? Consider pairing your lobster trip with a shark fishing adventure for a double dose of adrenaline. Reel Coquina offers expert-guided experiences that let you chase the apex predators of the Gulf right off the beach.

Ready to Catch Your Own Lobster Dinner?

Whether you’re diving into mini-season madness or planning a relaxed trip during the regular lobster season, Reel Coquina has everything you need for an unforgettable Florida Keys adventure. From expert-guided charters to all the gear, safety tips, and local know-how, we make lobster harvesting fun, safe, and successful.

Spots fill up fast, especially around mini season, so don’t wait!

Book your lobster charter now and get ready to reel in your next great memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I catch a lobster at night?

During the regular season, yes, but in Monroe County (Keys), night diving is banned during the mini season. Always check local zone rules.

What's the difference between the mini-season and the regular season?

Mini season is a 2-day sport-only preview in July, reserved for recreational divers before commercial traps arrive. Regular season (Aug 6–Mar 31) opens to all under consistent rules.

Do I need a measuring device?

Yes, lobsters must be at least 3 inches in carapace length, measured underwater with a gauge.

What’s the bag and possession limit?

Generally, six lobsters per person per day. In Monroe County, on the second mini-season day, possession can be doubled ashore.

What gear do I need?

Tickle stick, net or lobster trap (bully net), gloves, measuring device, life jacket, and diver-down flag. Some charters supply you with all of it.

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