The Florida recreational spiny lobster sport season will commence on July 24 and 25, with the regular recreational season following from August 6 through March 31, 2025. Harvest regulations stipulate that lobsters must have a minimum carapace length of three inches, measured in water. In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, harvesters may take up to six lobsters per day, while in other state waters, the limit is 12 lobsters per day.
Detailed information about bag limits, size limits, and other regulations can be found at MyFWC.com/Marine under the “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster” sections within the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab. For those planning to lobster in the Keys, additional resources are available on the Monroe County Tourist Development Council website at KeysLobsterSeason.com.
Recreational saltwater fishing licenses and spiny lobster permits can be obtained at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Participants in the Lionfish Challenge who qualify for the 2024 Lionfish Challenge Coin are allowed to harvest two extra lobsters each day during the sport season. Recreational harvesters must report at least 25 lionfish or commercial harvesters at least 50 pounds of lionfish to qualify. The physical FWC-issued Challenge Coin must be carried to benefit from this allowance. Registration for the challenge is available at FWCReefRangers.com.
For those engaging in bully netting, it is advised to keep lights directed toward the water and maintain low sound levels near shoreline residences to avoid disturbing others.
Conservation efforts are also emphasized. Touching corals or other marine life can harm these sensitive organisms. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has initiated the Florida Coral Crew to involve sportsmen and women in combating Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Interested individuals can join via FLCoralCrew.com.
Safety measures are paramount when diving for lobster. It is recommended to wear a life jacket while underway and designate a sober vessel operator. Divers should remain within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device in open water and within 100 feet if near an inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators should reduce speed to idle when within these distances of a divers-down flag or device. More information is available at MyFWC.com/Boating under “Boating Regulations” followed by “Divers-down Warning Devices.”
