Recreational and commercial blue crab traps in the waters from Franklin County to the Florida/Alabama state line must be removed by January 5, marking the start of a 10-day trap closure. This period allows groups authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps.
Traps can be placed back in the water starting January 15. However, the duration of closures may be shortened if fewer lost and abandoned traps are found than expected. During this closure, blue crabs can still be harvested using other gear like dip nets and fold-up traps. Standard blue crab traps attached to docks or private property may also be used.
Removing lost and abandoned traps is crucial as they can continue trapping marine life, damage habitats, and pose hazards to navigation.
This closure is part of three regional 10-day closures on Florida's Gulf coast in 2025. There are six regional closures in total: three on the west coast during odd-numbered years and three on the east coast during even-numbered years.
For more details about FWC’s trap-retrieval program, trap closure dates, regulations, and cleanup events, visit MyFWC.com/Marine under “Traps and Debris” or call 850-487-0554.