The Florida Keys follow the same seasonal structure as the rest of Florida.

• The sport mini season is held in late July

• The regular lobster season opens on August 6 and closes on March 31

However, additional local restrictions may apply depending on the specific area being fished.

Bag Limits in the Florida Keys

Daily bag limits in the Florida Keys are strictly enforced.

• Six lobsters per person per day are allowed

• Vessel possession limits are based on the number of licensed harvesters onboard

Therefore, exceeding individual limits is prohibited even when fishing in groups.

Size and Measurement Rules

The legal size requirement in the Florida Keys matches statewide regulations.

• Lobster must measure greater than three inches carapace length

• Measurement must be completed while in the water

• Possession of undersized lobster is prohibited at all times

Because inspections are common in the Keys, proper measuring tools should always be accessible.

Legal Lobstering Methods in the Florida Keys

Approved harvest methods include:

• Lobster snares

• Hand capture

• Landing nets

The use of spears, hooks, or damaging tools is prohibited. Consequently, lobster snares are widely used due to their compliance and low impact when used correctly.

Protected Areas and No Take Zones

The Florida Keys contain numerous protected zones including:

• Marine sanctuaries

• Ecological preserves

• No take areas

Lobstering is prohibited in these zones regardless of season status. Therefore, charts and GPS boundaries should be reviewed before fishing.

Egg Bearing Lobster and Prohibited Possession

Egg bearing lobsters, identifiable by visible eggs under the tail, may not be harvested or possessed. In addition, possession of lobster outside of open season is prohibited even if harvested legally elsewhere.