Catching the wrong lobster can land you in jail in the Keys. What to know about rules

David Goodhue
·3 min read

From August until the end of March, private anglers and commercial fishermen can hunt for Florida spiny lobster.

Lobster-hunting is particularly popular among tourists and locals in the Florida Keys. While the official season kicked off in August, recreational anglers get a head start during “mini-season,” a 48-hour event that takes place the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July.

Steve Jahn holds a bucket full of spiny lobster while he sits next to his son Reece on their boat Wednesday, July 28, 2021, off the Upper Florida Keys.
Steve Jahn holds a bucket full of spiny lobster while he sits next to his son Reece on their boat Wednesday, July 28, 2021, off the Upper Florida Keys.

Those lobsters might be a great dinner, but they are also a precious natural resource. So there several rules and guidelines you need to know before venturing out to look for them.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer handcuffs a man after the officer and his colleagues said they found three men with more than 15 lobsters on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, an hour before the miniseason began on the sought-after crustaceans.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer handcuffs a man after the officer and his colleagues said they found three men with more than 15 lobsters on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, an hour before the miniseason began on the sought-after crustaceans.

And, understanding the regulations is especially important in the Florida Keys, where it’s common for violators to find themselves spending a few days in Monroe County jail.

What is the daily bag limit?

The daily bag limit is six lobsters per person statewide. During mini-season, it’s six per person in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, and 12 in the rest of the state.

Miami resident and nurse Teresa Ripoll, left, and Redland resident Sergio Garcia, right, lend a hand in removing the tails from 60 lobsters caught by the team of five divers after their early start and return to Matheson Hammock Park Marina on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Miami resident and nurse Teresa Ripoll, left, and Redland resident Sergio Garcia, right, lend a hand in removing the tails from 60 lobsters caught by the team of five divers after their early start and return to Matheson Hammock Park Marina on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

What should I do after I catch a lobster?

Keep your lobsters whole. All lobsters must be brought back to shore alive and in one piece. Wringing the tails off on the water is illegal. Again, doing this, especially in Monroe County, could land you jail time and a court date. All undersized lobsters must be returned alive and unharmed to the water.

Undersized lobsters and undersized wrung lobster tails are arranged in the back of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission truck Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.
Undersized lobsters and undersized wrung lobster tails are arranged in the back of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission truck Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.

How big do lobsters have to be to keep?

The legal lobster length is three inches for the carapace — basically the part of the body that is not the tail. Legal length of the tail is no less than 5 1/2 inches. Again, if they’re too small, return them immediately to the water unharmed and in one piece.

Brittany Mobley, an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, demonstrates the proper way to measure a Florida spiny lobster off Islamorada in the Florida Keys.
Brittany Mobley, an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, demonstrates the proper way to measure a Florida spiny lobster off Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

What do I need to bring while lobstering?

Lobster anglers must have a measuring device. Lobsters must be measured in the water if they are harvested while diving or snorkeling. Anywhere in the state, you’ll also need to have with you a Florida saltwater fishing license with a current lobster permit. All divers and snorkelers must display a diver down flag.

Lucky lobster divers show their catch during a past mini-season at Veterans Park on Little Duck Key.
Lucky lobster divers show their catch during a past mini-season at Veterans Park on Little Duck Key.

What are some of the things I can’t do while lobster hunting?

No egg-bearing female lobsters can be harvested. You can not speargun, pole spear or use any other tool that can pierce or break the lobster’s shell anywhere in Florida. Also good to know: Spearfishing for any fish in Monroe County is prohibited from Long Key north to the Miami-Dade County line. So, if you’re in Key Largo or Islamorada and plan to fish, dive or snorkel in state waters, leave the speargun or pole spear at the dock.



How do I catch lobsters legally?

Lobsters can be recreationally harvested by diving or snorkeling for them or by bully netting. Bully netting is using a basket net at the end of a pole and a light to spot and catch lobster at night from a boat. Recreational trapping is prohibited.

A lobster is raised from a shallow flat on a night fishing trip, using a bully net.
A lobster is raised from a shallow flat on a night fishing trip, using a bully net.

Anything else about the lobster hunt?

If you’re unsure about any of the regulations or need more more information, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website at https://myfwc.com.