Last Updated on February 23, 2024
Freshly caught lobster during Florida lobster season is one of the state’s most delightful and popular types of seafood.
Many people argue whether Florida lobster rivals the reputation of New England lobster. While we may be biased, few can argue that fresh lobster is the best of them all – no matter where it comes from.
Florida Lobster Season
The Florida lobster season, especially the two-day sport mini-season, has become an annual ritual for thousands of locals and visitors. This addictive and enjoyable Florida sport is called “bug fever.”
Know When to Go Lobstering
For those unfamiliar with the mini-season, it is two days long and precedes the regular lobster season. This year’s sports mini-season begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 24th and ends at midnight on July 25th.
The 2024 regular season begins at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 6 and ends at midnight on March 31, 2024.
Remember that during the mini-season, diving at night is prohibited in Monroe County. Keep your lobster hunting in the daytime, even though this short season only lasts two days.
Stop by the Florida Keys – The Heart of the Action
Undoubtedly, Monroe County of the Florida Keys is the prime location for catching lobster during the season and is where most of the lobster will be caught.
However, be warned. Due to the high demand, the crowds during the mini-season are hefty.
The great part about hunting in the Keys is that the water is clear and shallow, making it easier for lobster divers of all levels to find a catch.
Families who have frequented the Keys for years have “secret” holes and destinations, also known as “hidey” holes. Make sure to be patient when hunting.
Over six million lobsters swim around the Keys at the start of the season, so you are bound to catch one.
If no one in your party is experienced in the lobster hunt, or you don’t have a boat, consider swimming from the shore to nearby reefs or under bridges where the pilings offer plenty of lobster crevices.
If you are a first-time boater in the Keys, use caution when navigating the waters. Most importantly, do not anchor on the coral reefs that surround the Keys.
This is the only living coral barrier reef in the United States. Use a mooring buoy, or find a sandy bottom to anchor in.
If the hype of the Florida Keys is too much for you, you can dive into other areas of Florida for the delicious bugs. Lobsters can be found up and down the coasts of Florida, from Miami Beach north to St. Augustine.
Consider Hiring a Guide
If you are inexperienced in lobster diving, an experienced guide is incredibly beneficial. Some guides have onboard spotters to help you search for lobster antennae poking out of the crevices.
This saves a lot of energy and time for beginners.
Also, a good captain always provides the proper guidance and safety instructions to make your day memorable.
A half-day trip can cost around $500, but if you plan a trip with others, the costs can be shared.
Here are just a few of our favorite charters of the Middle Florida Keys:
- Two Conchs Charters, Marathon
- Curly’s Dock, Marathon
- Tilden’s Scuba Center, Marathon
- Dive Duck Key, Duck Key
Know your Lobster Limits during Florida Lobster Season
There are limits on the number of lobsters you can harvest and the size of the lobsters caught.
During the mini-season, that limit is six lobsters per recreational harvester per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park and 12 everywhere else in the state.
During the regular (season), the limit is six lobsters per person throughout the entire state.
Regarding the size, the lobster must be measured while still in the water and remain “whole” – don’t separate the tail from the body.
Use the measuring gauge to determine the length of the lobster’s Carapace (the hard part of the shell between the tail and the base of the antennae).
Any carapace less than three inches must be thrown back into the water.
An important note: if you see an egg-bearing (pregnant) lobster, you can not harvest it. It is illegal to possess one.
You can tell if a lobster is pregnant by the orange, brown, or red eggs on the underside of the tail.
Don’t Forget the Permit
It is required that each diver have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license with a current lobster stamp available at tackle shops, dive stores, and online at the Florida Wildlife Commission.
This license is $17 for Florida residents.
In addition, lobster harvesters must also have the $5 spiny lobster permit. This is also available on the Florida Wildlife Commission website.
Gear Up for Success
Don’t forget any important gear you’ll need to venture out on your lobster hunting voyage. This includes:
- A map of the area
- Dive Flag
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Lobster net
- Snare
- Tickle stick
- Gloves
- Mesh bag
- Lobster gauge (required to measure lobster while in the water)
Note: Make sure not to use any gear that would puncture, penetrate or crush the lobster exoskeleton.
Know Where Not To Go
There are some areas of Florida where diving for lobsters is not permitted. This includes artificial habitats or “Casitas.”
A Casita is a man-made, artificial structure that can be made of anything (old appliances, heaps of concrete, etc.).
You also can not hunt for lobsters in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, or John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sports season.
During both the mini-season in July and the regular Florida lobster season starting in August, remember that no snorkeling or diving is allowed within 300 feet of residential or commercial shoreline.
This includes both canals and any public or private marinas.
Below are a few local specifications of this rule:
- In Marathons, this local rule applies during the two-day sport season.
- In Key Colony Beach, this local rule applies during the four days preceding the sports season and continues until 10 days have elapsed after the regular season’s opening.
- In Layton, taking lobster from any waters within city limits is prohibited.
- In unincorporated areas of Monroe County, Islamorada, and Key West, this local rule applies during the three days preceding the sports season, the entire sports season, and the first five days of the regular season.
Don’t Forget to Raise the Flag
A crucial part of Florida lobster season is using your dive flag and respecting where other divers have placed theirs. Display your diver-down flag when lobster hunters are in the water.
When snorkeling, you must stay within 300 feet of your flag or 100 feet if you happen to be in a channel.
If you are driving a boat, be mindful of the dive flags of other hunters while you are out and about.
All vessel operators must slow their boat to an idling speed within 100 yards of a dive flag.
For More Fun, Stop by the BugFest-by-the-Sea
On Florida’s east coast in Broward County, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea celebrates the mini-season with a “Bug Fest” at the end of July each year. (2024 dates to be announced when available.)
The festival also features fun events, seminars, cookouts, concerts, and contests. While there, check out the authentic lodging of the Windjammer Resort and Beach Club.
Only Interested in Eating Lobster? We Have You Covered.
If you decide that diving for Florida lobster is not your thing, don’t fret. After the regular season opens on August 6th, head to your favorite seafood shop and pick up some fresh Florida lobster.
The good news is that you don’t have to do much to enjoy it at home. Broiled, baked, or grilled with a little butter, lemon, and salt are all you need.
Just ask your seafood shop to prepare it ready to cook. They will even give you a few cooking tips.
Many restaurants in the area will cook your lobster for a fee, but be sure to call first.
Also, consider our recipe for Authentic Florida Lobster Mac and Cheese.
Looking for more ways to enjoy Florida?
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