FAST FACTS: Lobster Mini-Season Rules
The lobster mini-season begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 29th and runs through midnight on Thursday, July 30th.
Limits
*Only 12 lobsters per person per day may be taken in Broward and Miami Dade Counties with the exception of Biscayne National Park.
*Only 6 lobsters may be taken per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park. No lobsters may be taken from the lobster sanctuary in Biscayne National Park.
*Lobsters can not be taken from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the 2-day season.
*The possession limit on the water is equal to the daily bag limit, and off the water is equal to the daily bag limit on the first day and double the daily bag limit on the second day.
*Possession limits will be strictly enforced on and off the water.
*Lobsters can not be taken during both the 2-day sport season and regular season in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and no take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
*Divers are not allowed to use equipment that could puncture the lobster's shell; including spears, hooks, and wire snares.
Size Limits
*Spiny lobster has a minimum size limit that must be larger than 3" carapace, measured in the water.
*Egg-bearing lobsters must be released unharmed. You can recognize the eggs by an orange, yellow, brown, or red mass found covering the bottom of the lobster's tail.
*Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times, and night diving is prohibited in Monroe County (only during the 2-day sport season).
Licenses
*A recreational saltwater license and a crawfish permit are needed for before lobsters can be caught. A one-year fishing licensees for residents are $13.50, while non-residents can purchase 3-day ($6.50), 7-day ($16.50), or 1-year licenses ($31.50.) Active military personnel stationed in Florida are considered to be residents. A crawfish permit stamp will cost $2.00. Licenses are available through dive shops, many tackle shops, and marine supply stores.
*Regular spiny lobster season is August 6 through March 31. The bag limit is 6 per person per day.
