Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season Begins Today, Followed by Regular Season on August 6
MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Keys’ highly anticipated spiny lobster mini season begins today, July 30, 2025, and runs through July 31, offering recreational divers a two-day window to harvest spiny lobsters before the regular season opens. The mini season, a tradition in the Florida Keys, draws thousands of divers and boaters to Monroe County’s waters, particularly in areas like Marathon and Key West.
The regular lobster season, for both recreational and commercial harvesters, starts on August 6, 2025, and continues through March 31, 2026.
Mini Season Details and Regulations
The lobster mini season, held annually on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, allows recreational divers to catch spiny lobsters before commercial traps are deployed. In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the daily bag limit is six lobsters per person, while the rest of Florida permits 12 per person per day. Lobsters must have a carapace (the hard shell between the tail and antennae) measuring greater than three inches, and measurements must be taken in the water using a required measuring device. Harvesting egg-bearing lobsters is strictly prohibited to protect the species’ population, identifiable by orange, brown, or red eggs on the underside of the tail.
Divers are required to have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit, available at tackle shops, dive stores, or online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at MyFWC.com. Night diving, defined as diving one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, is prohibited in Monroe County during the mini season. Divers must stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed diver-down flag in open waters or 100 feet in channels, and boat operators must slow to idle speed within 100 yards of a dive flag.Harvesting is prohibited in several protected areas, including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, certain zones in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary. Additionally, no snorkeling or diving is allowed within 300 feet of residential or commercial shorelines, including canals and marinas, during the mini season and the first five days of the regular season in Monroe County, Islamorada, and Key West.Boat Ramp Access and ParkingMonroe County’s public boat ramps, critical for accessing lobster grounds, open at 7 a.m. during the mini season. However, parking is limited, with many spaces reserved exclusively for vehicles with boat trailers. Boaters are advised to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid congestion. For a list of public boat ramps and additional navigation tips, visit the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s dedicated lobster season website at KeysLobsterSeason.com.
Regular Season Overview
The regular spiny lobster season, commencing August 6, 2025, and ending March 31, 2026, follows the same bag limit of six lobsters per person per day throughout Florida, including Monroe County. The size and licensing requirements remain consistent with the mini season, and the same protected areas are off-limits. The regular season allows both recreational and commercial harvesters to operate, with commercial traps entering the water after the mini season concludes. The FWC emphasizes responsible harvesting to protect the marine ecosystem, including avoiding contact with coral reefs and using mooring buoys where available to prevent damage.
The FWC and local authorities, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, urge participants to prioritize safety and environmental stewardship. Boaters should designate a sober operator, ensure all safety equipment is functional, and take a free online boating course offered by the sanctuary at floridakeys.noaa.gov. Divers are encouraged to wear bright clothing for visibility and double-check lobster sizes to avoid fines. The sanctuary’s “Marine Sanctuary Explorer” guide provides further details on responsible boating and diving practices.
The mini season is a significant event in the Florida Keys, attracting both residents and visitors. However, it can lead to crowded waters and increased risks from inexperienced boaters. The FWC and local law enforcement will be patrolling to enforce regulations and ensure safe boating practices. Notably, the Key West Lobsterfest, a popular celebration of the season, has been canceled for 2025 due to logistical challenges, though lobster harvesting remains unaffected.For those seeking a guided experience, chartering a boat with a local captain is recommended. Many charters, such as those offered through Marathon Sailfish Marina (305-289-0071) or Keyzboats, provide gear and expertise to navigate the best lobster spots. The “South Florida Diving Headquarters BugFest,” a scuba diving contest, will also take place on July 30, 2025, offering a fun opportunity for divers to engage in the mini season.
For comprehensive regulations and safety guidelines, visit the FWC’s spiny lobster page at MyFWC.com/Marine under “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster.” Additional information on protected areas and boating safety is available at floridakeys.noaa.gov. For local tips and updates, check KeysLobsterSeason.com.The Florida Keys lobster season, both mini and regular, offers a unique opportunity to engage with the region’s marine heritage. By following regulations and prioritizing safety, participants can enjoy a rewarding and sustainable experience in the pristine waters of Monroe County.
