Florida's annual spiny lobster mini-season is underway, drawing recreational divers and enthusiasts to the Florida Keys for the highly anticipated event. Occurring on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July, the mini-season provides an opportunity for non-commercial participants to harvest spiny lobsters before the regular commercial season begins.
Participants are reminded to adhere to specific regulations set forth by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The daily bag limit is 12 lobsters per person, except when diving in Monroe County, which includes the Florida Keys, where the limit is reduced to six per person per day. Additionally, lobsters must have a carapace measuring longer than 3 inches. A lobster permit is also required and can be obtained through the commission's website. Certain areas, including protected zones and National and State Parks, are designated as no-take areas.
While dive tanks and SCUBA gear can enhance the experience, many shallow-water locations, particularly in the Upper and Middle Keys, are accessible with basic equipment such as a mask, snorkel, gloves, and a kayak. Lobsters are known to seek refuge in holes, crevices, and submerged objects, requiring thorough searching by divers.
The Florida Keys, known for activities beyond lobster diving, also offer world-class fishing opportunities. The region's archipelago attracts both residents and visitors annually for its summer attractions, with the spiny lobster mini-season being a significant draw.
