Keys Cookbook Spiny Lobster Regulations in the Florida Keys

Keys Cookbook Spiny Lobster official regulations and laws for catching spiny lobsters in the Florida Keys, formatted for inclusion in your Keys Cookbook or guests FloridaKeysVillas.com information packets:

🦞 Spiny Lobster Regulations in the Florida Keys

📆 Seasons

· Regular Season: ➤ August 6 – March 31 Open for both recreational and commercial harvesters.

· Mini-Season (Sport Season): ➤ Last Wednesday & Thursday of July A special 2-day season for recreational divers and snorkelers only. ➤ No night diving allowed in Monroe County during Mini-Season. ➤ Check FWC’s website each year for exact dates.

📦 Bag Limits

· 6 lobsters per person per day in Monroe County (Florida Keys).

· 12 lobsters per person per day in other parts of Florida — but NOT in Monroe County.

📏 Size Requirements

· Minimum carapace length: greater than 3 inches ➤ Must be measured in the water using an approved gauge. ➤ Do not take undersized lobsters.

🚫 Do Not Take

· Egg-Bearing Females: ➤ If you see bright orange or red eggs under the tail, you must release the lobster immediately.

· Speared Lobsters: ➤ Spearing or piercing lobsters is illegal.

· Night Diving During Mini-Season in Monroe County: ➤ Strictly prohibited.

🗺️ Prohibited Harvest Areas

You may NOT harvest lobsters in:

· Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs)

· Ecological Reserves

· Research-Only Zones

· Some bridges and marina areas ➡️ Check maps from Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and use the FWC Lobster Brochure PDF to verify locations.

✅ Pro Tips for Staying Legal

· Always carry a saltwater fishing license with a lobster permit.

· Use a dive flag and lobster gauge.

· Measure every lobster in water before bagging.

· Pack out your trash and handle marine life responsibly