Can egg-bearing lobster be harvested in Florida?

No. Egg-bearing spiny lobster may not be harvested and must be released immediately.

What gear should be used during Florida lobster season?

Common equipment includes a lobster gauge, dive gloves, a catch bag, a properly displayed dive flag, and a dependable lobster snare. All equipment should be inspected before entering the water.

Where can current Florida lobster regulations be verified?

Current Florida lobster season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, protected areas, and harvesting regulations should be verified through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before every trip.

Florida Lobster Season 2026: Dates, Rules, Regulations & What You Need to Know

Q: When is Florida lobster season in 2026?

Florida's recreational mini lobster season was held July 29 through July 30, 2026. The regular Florida spiny lobster season begins August 6, 2026, and continues through March 31, 2027.

Q: Is Florida mini lobster season different from the regular season?

Yes. Florida mini lobster season is a special two-day recreational harvesting period held before the regular season begins. The regular season lasts from August 6 through March 31.

Q: What is the bag limit during Florida lobster season?

Bag limits vary by location. In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the recreational limit is generally six lobsters per person per day. In many other areas of Florida, the limit is generally twelve lobsters per person per day. Current regulations should always be verified with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before harvesting.

Q: What licenses are required for Florida lobster season?

Most recreational participants need a valid Florida recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit. Licensing requirements and exemptions should be confirmed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Q: What is the legal size for Florida spiny lobster?

A Florida spiny lobster must have a carapace measuring more than three inches. The measurement must be taken while the lobster remains in the water.

Q: What is the best way to catch Florida spiny lobster?

Many divers use a lobster snare because it can be maneuvered around reef structures and ledges while allowing the lobster to be secured with less handling. The Original Green Lobster Snare was designed specifically for catching Florida Caribbean spiny lobster.

Everything You Need Before Florida's 2026 Spiny Lobster Season

Whether you participated in Florida’s 2026 mini season (July 29–30, 2026) or are preparing for the regular lobster season (August 6, 2026), understanding the current regulations is essential. Before entering the water, the official season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, and legal size restrictions should be reviewed. In addition, using dependable equipment and following responsible harvesting practices can help make every trip safer, more successful, and more enjoyable.

Florida Lobster Season 2026 at a Glance

What Was Florida's 2026 Mini Lobster Season?

Season Dates & Timeline: Mini-Season Dates: July 29 (12:01 AM) through July 30 (12:00 Midnight), 2026 Regular Season Dates: August 6, 2026, through March 31, 2027

Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park; 12 per person for rest of Florida

Possession limit on the water: equal to the daily bag limit

Possession limit off the water: equal to the daily bag limit on July 29, 2026, and double the daily bag limit on July 30, 2026.

Possession limits are enforced on and off the water.

Minimum Size Limit: Carapace length must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times. Find out how to measure a spiny lobster.

Night Diving: Prohibited in Monroe County (ONLY during sport season). Diving is defined as swimming at or below the surface of the water.

Prohibited Areas: Harvest of lobster is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season. At all times, harvest of lobster is prohibited in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary, and in the five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park.*

* All information including licenses, permits and any additional questions, please visit: myfwc.com

Prepare for a Safe, Successful Florida Lobster Season

The Right Equipment and Responsible Harvesting Go Hand in Hand

Before heading out for Florida’s lobster season, every diver should make sure the proper equipment is ready. A lobster gauge is essential for verifying legal size requirements while the lobster remains in the water. Dive gloves help protect your hands around rocky ledges and reef structures, while a catch bag keeps your harvest secure throughout the dive. A properly displayed dive flag increases visibility and safety, especially in areas with heavy boat traffic. Many experienced divers also rely on a dependable lobster snare designed specifically for Florida Caribbean spiny lobster, allowing them to harvest lobster more efficiently while reducing unnecessary stress on the animal and surrounding reef.

Choosing quality equipment is only part of preparing for a successful day on the water. Responsible harvesting begins with understanding Florida’s regulations, respecting marine habitats, and practicing safe diving techniques. Following current bag limits, releasing egg-bearing lobster, measuring every catch correctly, and remaining aware of changing weather and boating conditions all help preserve Florida’s lobster population for future seasons.

At Spiny Solutions, we believe dependable equipment and responsible education should work together. Our Original Green Lobster Snare was designed specifically for Florida Caribbean spiny lobster, offering durable construction, dependable performance, and a reef-friendly design that has been trusted by divers for years. Combined with our educational guides, instructional videos, and commitment to ethical harvesting, our goal is to help every diver enjoy a safer, more productive, and more rewarding lobster season.

Make Every Florida Lobster Trip Count

Preparing for Florida lobster season involves much more than knowing the opening date. Understanding current regulations, using dependable equipment, and following ethical harvesting practices can improve both safety and success on the water.

At Spiny Solutions, our focus extends beyond building premium lobster snares. We also believe in educating divers through helpful guides, videos, and seasonal updates that support responsible lobster harvesting throughout Florida. Whether you’re preparing for your first season or have years of experience, our goal is to help you spend less time struggling with equipment and more time enjoying your time on the reef.

Lobster Season 2026 FAQs

When is Florida lobster season in 2026?

Florida’s recreational mini season was held July 29–30, 2026. The regular Florida spiny lobster season begins August 6, 2026, and continues through March 31, 2027.

Is Florida mini lobster season different from the regular season?

Yes. Mini season is a two-day recreational event held before the regular season each year.

What is the bag limit during Florida lobster season?

Bag limits vary depending on where you are harvesting. Always verify the current regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your trip.

What licenses are required for Florida lobster season?

Most recreational divers need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit.

What is the legal size for Florida spiny lobster?

The carapace must measure more than three inches, and the lobster must be measured while it is still in the water.

Can egg-bearing lobster be harvested?

No. Egg-bearing lobster must be released immediately.

What is the best way to catch Florida spiny lobster?

Many divers prefer a quality lobster snare because it allows lobster to be captured with minimal damage while working effectively around reefs and ledges.

Where can I verify current Florida lobster regulations?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the official source for current regulations, licensing, and seasonal updates.

* All information including licenses, permits and any additional questions, please visit: myfwc.com

Choose Ethical Lobster Gear

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Monthly blogs, gear insights, and responsible lobster education will continue throughout the season.

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*Some Photos and Videos are provided by: Derek Van Hook