The 2025 spiny lobster season in Florida is set to begin with a two-day recreational sport season on July 30 and 31. This will be followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, starting on August 6 and continuing through March 31, 2026.
For those interested in participating, information about bag limits, size limits, and other regulations can be found at MyFWC.com/Marine under the “Recreational Regulations” section. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council website, KeysLobsterSeason.com, also offers resources for those planning to lobster in the Keys.
Participants of the Lionfish Challenge can qualify for an extra lobster each day during the two-day sport season by earning a Challenge Coin. To do so, recreational harvesters must report at least 25 lionfish, while commercial harvesters need to report at least 50 pounds of lionfish. Registration for the challenge is available at FWCReefRangers.com.
Licenses and spiny lobster permits are required and can be obtained at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Additionally, up-to-date saltwater fishing regulations are accessible via the Fish Rules app or FishRulesApp.com.
When bully netting this season, participants are reminded to keep lights directed toward the water and maintain low sound levels near shoreline residences. Care should also be taken around corals and marine life. The Florida Coral Crew initiative invites sportsmen and women to help combat stony coral tissue loss disease; registration is open at FLCoralCrew.com.
Safety measures for diving include wearing a life jacket when underway and avoiding alcohol consumption while boating. Divers should stay within specified distances of a divers-down flag or device depending on their location relative to inlets or navigation channels. More detailed regulation information is available at MyFWC.com/Boating under “Boating Regulations.”
