When Is Florida Mini Lobster Season?

The mini lobster season in Florida falls every year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, according to FloridaKeysTreasures.com. The season starts on Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Thursday at midnight.

Seasons

Florida has the mini season for spiny lobster as well as a longer regular season that runs from early August through March, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Those who wish to catch lobster must have a recreational saltwater license and a crawfish permit. The main body of the lobster must exceed 3 inches in length.

Species

Spiny lobsters in Florida waters are the smooth tail, Caribbean, and spotted spiny lobster. Each licensed person may keep six lobsters a day in restricted areas and 12 lobsters a day in the rest of the state. The lobsters inhabit the waters around southern Florida and the Florida Keys, according to FloridaKeysTreasures.com.

Restricted and Prohibited Areas

In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the limit is six lobsters per licensed person per day. Harvesting is not allowed in the no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

References

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Spiny Lobster
• Florida Keys Treasures: Keys Treasures