Before lobstering in Florida, a valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required. In addition, a spiny lobster permitmust be held unless an exemption applies. Therefore, licensing should always be verified prior to participating in lobster harvest.

Bag Limits and Possession Rules

Daily bag limits are enforced to prevent overharvesting.

• Six lobsters per person per day are allowed statewide

• The number of lobsters onboard a vessel may not exceed the combined bag limits of all licensed harvesters

As a result, careful counting is encouraged while on the water.

Legal Size Requirements

Only legal sized lobster may be kept. Florida law requires:

• A minimum carapace length of greater than three inches

• Measurement must be performed in the water

• Lobsters must be landed whole and unaltered

Because of these requirements, a lobster gauge should always be carried.

Legal Harvest Methods

Approved methods for harvesting spiny lobster include:

• Lobster snares

• Hand collection

• Landing nets

However, spears, hooks, or puncturing devices are prohibited. Consequently, lobster snares are commonly used due to their effectiveness and compliance with Florida regulations.

Prohibited Harvest

The following actions are prohibited statewide:

• Harvesting egg bearing lobster

• Possessing undersized lobster

• Harvesting lobster outside of open season

• Harvesting lobster from protected or closed areas

Therefore, awareness of local restrictions is strongly encouraged.