Planning to go lobstering in Key West or the Florida Keys? Whether you're visiting during Mini Season or the regular lobster season, here's everything you need to know before jumping in the water. From licenses and gear to regulations and local tips, we've got you covered.

Lobstering in the Florida Keys

Few activities are more "Florida Keys" than catching your own Florida Spiny Lobster. Every summer, thousands of locals and visitors head out to the reefs, patch reefs, and hard-bottom areas in search of these delicious crustaceans.

Whether you're snorkeling for your first lobster or you're an experienced hunter, knowing the rules—and having the right equipment—makes all the difference.

When is Florida Lobster Season?

There are two recreational seasons:

Mini Season

The famous two-day "Mini Season" takes place every year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July (July 29th and July 30th 2026).

Regular Lobster Season

The regular recreational season runs from August 6 through March 31.

Do You Need a License?

Yes.

Before harvesting lobster, you'll need:

• Florida Saltwater Fishing License
• Florida Spiny Lobster Permit

Unless you're exempt under Florida law, both are required.

Get your Florida fishing license here (opens in a new tab):

https://gooutdoorsflorida.com

(Set the link to open in a new tab.)

Know the Rules Before You Dive

Florida takes lobster regulations seriously.

Some of the most important rules include:

• Minimum carapace size is over 3 inches
• Measure every lobster while it's still in the water
• Egg-bearing lobsters must be released immediately
• Recreational trapping is prohibited
• Lobsters must remain whole until you're back on land
• Certain protected areas are closed to lobster harvesting
• Monroe County bag limit is 6 lobster per person per day during the regular season.

Read the official Florida Lobster Rules & Regulations (opens in a new tab):

https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster/

Essential Lobstering Gear

Don't head out without these:

Mask

Snorkel

Fins

Lobster Gauge (required)

Tickle Stick

Lobster Net

Dive Flag

Gloves

Mesh Catch Bag

Cooler with Ice

Sunscreen

Plenty of Water

Lobster Diving Safety: Dive Flags Save Lives

Lobster season brings thousands of boats to the waters around Key West and the Florida Keys. That means one of the most important pieces of equipment you can carry isn't your tickle stick, it's your dive flag.

Florida law requires divers and snorkelers to display a properly sized dive flag whenever they are in the water. The flag alerts boaters that people are below the surface and helps prevent serious accidents.

If You're Diving:

• Always display a regulation dive flag.
• Stay within the required distance of your flag whenever possible.
• Make sure your flag is visible to approaching boats.
• Never surface far away from your dive flag.

If You're Operating a Boat:

Seeing a dive flag means slow down immediately.

Florida law requires boaters to:

• Stay at least 100 feet away from a dive flag in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.
• Stay at least 300 feet away from a dive flag in open water.
• If you must come closer, proceed at idle speed only, the slowest speed possible while maintaining steerage.

Even if you don't see a diver, always assume someone could surface at any moment near the flag.

Be a Courteous Boater

Lobster season is one of the busiest times of the year in the Florida Keys. Giving dive flags plenty of space, reducing your wake, and slowing down protects families, visitors, and fellow boaters enjoying the water.

A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a life-changing accident.

Read Florida's official dive flag laws and boating safety information (opens in a new tab):
https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/

Local Tips for Catching More Lobster

Look under ledges and coral heads.

Stay calm and move slowly, lobsters are surprisingly quick.

Use your tickle stick to gently coax the lobster out before scooping it with your net.

Measure every lobster before putting it in your bag.

Never grab the antennae, they break easily and can damage the lobster.

Start early. The water is calmer, visibility is often better, and you'll beat much of the boat traffic.

Respect the Reef

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful marine ecosystems in the world.

When lobstering:

• Never stand on coral.
• Avoid kicking reefs with your fins.
• Keep your boat anchored in sand whenever possible.
• Leave the reef cleaner than you found it.

Protecting the reef ensures future generations can enjoy this incredible fishery.

New to Lobstering?

The easiest and safest way to experience lobster season is with a guided charter.

You won't need to worry about:

• Finding productive spots
• Bringing equipment
• Learning the regulations
• Navigating unfamiliar waters

Instead, you'll spend more time catching lobster and less time figuring everything out.

Book a Lobster Charter

Want to experience one of the Florida Keys' favorite traditions without buying all the gear?

We provide:

• Boat
• Captain
• Snorkeling equipment
• Tickle sticks
• Nets
• Dive flag
• Local knowledge
• Ice and cooler
• Guidance for first-time lobster hunters

Book Your Lobster Charter

https://experiencekey-west.com/experiences/private-lobster-charter-life-on-the-rocks-charters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners go lobstering?

Absolutely! Many first-timers have a blast, especially on a guided charter.

Can kids go?

Yes. As long as they're comfortable snorkeling and follow all safety guidelines.

Can I keep everything I catch?

Only if it meets Florida regulations for size, season, and bag limits.

Do I need my own equipment?

Not on our charter, they provide everything you need for a successful day on the water. If you are using your own boat or getting a rental, you will need to bring all of your own equipment.

Respect the Water. Respect the Resource.

Lobstering is one of the Florida Keys' greatest traditions, and it's something we want future generations to enjoy for years to come. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, taking a little extra care goes a long way.

Always follow Florida's lobster regulations, respect bag and size limits, and release any undersized or egg-bearing lobsters. Give dive flags plenty of space, slow down around other boaters and snorkelers, and be mindful of the fragile coral reefs by never standing on or anchoring in live coral.

Most importantly, leave our waters better than you found them. Pick up any trash, respect wildlife, and remember that we're all sharing this incredible ecosystem.

The Florida Keys are a special place, and it takes all of us doing our part to keep them that way. Lobster responsibly, boat safely, and help protect the waters that make Key West one of the most unique destinations in the world.

We look forward to seeing you on the water. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy everything the Florida Keys have to offer.