2026 Florida Keys Lobster Season: Ultimate Guide
Mini Season July 29–30 • Regular Season Aug 6 – Mar 31, 2027 • Bag limits, legal size, no-take zones, gear checklist, best ramps & insider tips for Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada.
Florida Keys Lobster Season 2026 — At a Glance
Mini Season 2026: Wednesday–Thursday, July 29–30, 2026 (last consecutive Wed–Thu of July). Regular Season: August 6, 2026 – March 31, 2027. Bag limit: 6 per person per day (Monroe County). Legal size: 3-inch carapace minimum — measured in the water before harvest. License required: Florida saltwater license ($17) + free Recreational Lobster Permit — get both at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. No tailing at sea — lobster must remain whole until you return to shore. No spearing. No harvesting in SPAs or Ecological Reserves.
📅 2026 Lobster Season Dates & Regulations
📋 Rules, Regulations & Legal Requirements
- Florida Saltwater Fishing License ($17/year)
- Recreational Lobster Permit (FREE — required)
- Dive flag if diving from a boat (required by law)
- Both available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- Minimum 3-inch carapace (eye socket to carapace edge)
- Measure in the water — before harvest
- Egg-bearing females must be released immediately
- Lobster must remain whole until shore
- No spearing, hooking, or gaffing
- No removing from commercial traps
- No harvesting within 100 yards of a commercial trap
- No tailing at sea
- Tickle stick (guide out of hole)
- Bully net / hand net
- Hand capture (free diving)
- Snorkel or SCUBA — both legal
Harvesting lobster is strictly prohibited in the following areas. Fines can reach $10,000+ per violation:
📌 Action: Download the NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary map at floridakeys.noaa.gov before your trip. Save it offline — you may not have cell service on the water.
📚 How to Catch Lobster in the Florida Keys
Step-by-step guide for both beginners and experienced divers
⚓ Best Boat Ramps for Lobster Season
Upper Keys launch sites — arrive early, especially during mini season
🛒 Where to Buy Licenses & Supplies
Buy your license online before you arrive — saves time on mini season morning
🌴 Why the Florida Keys Are the Best for Lobstering
The Florida Keys are widely considered the best region in the state for spiny lobster. The waters are warm, clear, and full of reefs, ledges, and grass beds that lobsters call home. Add in the relaxed island atmosphere, and you’ve got the ultimate setting for mini lobster season.
Beyond the catch, mini lobster season is also a vital economic driver for the Keys. The influx of thousands of visitors each year provides a tremendous boost to local businesses — from hotels and restaurants to rental boat companies, charter fishing operations, bait shops, and dive centers. It’s an awesome sight to see so many people coming into the Florida Keys, directly supporting our community and local economy.
💡 Local Insight: Mini season has become like a Florida National Holiday — a two-day event that kicks off the annual spiny lobster harvest, allowing recreational enthusiasts a thrilling head start before the main commercial season officially opens on August 6th.
📅 Best Time to Catch or Buy Lobster in Key Largo (2026 Seasonal Quality Guide)
When is lobster season in Key Largo? Understanding monthly quality variations for the best taste and value
Lobster season in Key Largo runs August 6 – March 31 (nearly 8 months), plus a two-day mini-season on the last Wednesday-Thursday of July. The best months for peak-quality lobster are October through January, when lobsters have hardened shells and the sweetest, firmest meat. Early season (August-September) offers tender meat but some soft-shell lobsters. Late season (February-March) has larger lobsters but slightly lower abundance.
- Lobsters are plentiful and easy to find
- Some may have soft shells from recent molting
- Meat is tender but less dense than peak months
- Great for fresh eating, less ideal for shipping
- Mini season excitement draws huge crowds
- Best overall quality and flavor
- Shells are fully hardened, meat is firm and sweet
- Lobsters have reached full maturity
- Ideal for freezing, shipping, or fresh cooking
- Perfect balance of size, abundance, and taste
- Lobsters are larger but less abundant
- Meat quality remains high and flavorful
- Good time for late-season deals
- Season closes March 31
- Stock up before the season ends
🥵 Why Is Lobster Season Limited to Certain Months?
Florida's lobster season is tightly regulated to ensure long-term sustainability of the spiny lobster population. Here's why these restrictions matter:
Lobsters molt (shed their shells) and mate during late spring and early summer. During molting, their shells are soft, they're more vulnerable to predators, and harvesting would significantly reduce future populations. The closed season allows lobsters to reproduce and grow undisturbed.
Soft-shell lobsters have less meat and are more prone to injury during handling and shipping. By waiting until shells harden (October-January), consumers get firmer, sweeter meat with better yield per lobster.
Florida's seasonal management is widely seen as a model for balancing commercial demand with ecological responsibility. Similar seasonal closures exist in Maine, Massachusetts, and other lobster fisheries worldwide.
❓ Can You Still Enjoy Lobster Outside of Season?
Yes! While recreational harvesting is prohibited outside the season, many Florida-based fisheries and seafood markets offer flash-frozen lobster tails year-round. These products are frozen at peak freshness (usually during October-January) and maintain excellent flavor and texture.
Vacuum-sealed tails, lobster bisque, and party packs are available from reputable suppliers even in spring and early summer, ensuring you can enjoy Key Largo flavor throughout the year.
📅 Best Time to Catch or Buy Lobster in Key Largo (2026 Seasonal Quality Guide)
When is lobster season in Key Largo? Understanding monthly quality variations for the best taste and value
Lobster season in Key Largo runs August 6 – March 31 (nearly 8 months), plus a two-day mini-season on the last Wednesday-Thursday of July. The best months for peak-quality lobster are October through January, when lobsters have hardened shells and the sweetest, firmest meat. Early season (August-September) offers tender meat but some soft-shell lobsters. Late season (February-March) has larger lobsters but slightly lower abundance.
- Lobsters are plentiful and easy to find
- Some may have soft shells from recent molting
- Meat is tender but less dense than peak months
- Great for fresh eating, less ideal for shipping
- Mini season excitement draws huge crowds
- Best overall quality and flavor
- Shells are fully hardened, meat is firm and sweet
- Lobsters have reached full maturity
- Ideal for freezing, shipping, or fresh cooking
- Perfect balance of size, abundance, and taste
- Lobsters are larger but less abundant
- Meat quality remains high and flavorful
- Good time for late-season deals
- Season closes March 31
- Stock up before the season ends
🥵 Why Is Lobster Season Limited to Certain Months?
Florida's lobster season is tightly regulated to ensure long-term sustainability of the spiny lobster population. Here's why these restrictions matter:
Lobsters molt (shed their shells) and mate during late spring and early summer. During molting, their shells are soft, they're more vulnerable to predators, and harvesting would significantly reduce future populations. The closed season allows lobsters to reproduce and grow undisturbed.
Soft-shell lobsters have less meat and are more prone to injury during handling and shipping. By waiting until shells harden (October-January), consumers get firmer, sweeter meat with better yield per lobster.
Florida's seasonal management is widely seen as a model for balancing commercial demand with ecological responsibility. Similar seasonal closures exist in Maine, Massachusetts, and other lobster fisheries worldwide.
❓ Can You Still Enjoy Lobster Outside of Season?
Yes! While recreational harvesting is prohibited outside the season, many Florida-based fisheries and seafood markets offer flash-frozen lobster tails year-round. These products are frozen at peak freshness (usually during October-January) and maintain excellent flavor and texture.
Vacuum-sealed tails, lobster bisque, and party packs are available from reputable suppliers even in spring and early summer, ensuring you can enjoy Key Largo flavor throughout the year.
🔍 How to Find Lobster Spots in the Florida Keys (Proven Methods)
Stop wasting time searching — use these battle-tested spot-finding techniques
The fastest way to find lobster spots is to target coral ledges, rocky structure, and artificial reefs in 10-40 feet of water. Look for dark crevices, overhangs, and grass-to-rock transitions. Use the drift-and-scan method with a spotter on the boat, or pre-load GPS coordinates from local bait shops like Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina. During mini season, arrive at spots before 7 AM — lobsters retreat deeper as boat traffic increases.
| Method | Best For | Depth Range | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drift-and-Scan (Towing Divers) | Covering large areas quickly | 8-25 feet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| GPS Coordinates (Pre-Loaded) | Precision targeting, time-saving | Any depth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Visual Structure Hunting | Exploring new areas | 5-40 feet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Bait Shop Intel | Current, local knowledge | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Artificial Reefs & Wrecks | Consistent holding structure | 15-50 feet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
🔎 What Does Good Lobster Habitat Look Like?
Dark crevices, undercut ledges, and cave-like openings. Lobsters hide under overhangs during the day.
Where sand meets rock, or grass beds transition to hard bottom. Lobsters patrol these edges at night.
Sunken boats, concrete structures, and deployed reef balls. Consistent lobster producers year-round.
Shallow backcountry reefs (8-15 feet). Perfect for snorkelers and families during mini season.
💡 Pro Tips: Finding Lobster Like a Local
- Early Morning Advantage: Arrive at spots by 7 AM during mini season. Lobsters are more active and less spooked before heavy boat traffic begins.
- Watch the Antennae: Look for long, thin antennae sticking out of holes — that's your first sign of lobster presence.
- Ask at Bait Shops: Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina opens at 5 AM during mini season. Staff know current hot spots and water conditions.
- Use Your Polarized Sunglasses: On calm days, you can spot lobster antennae and dark holes from the boat surface in shallow water (under 15 feet).
- Mark Your Spots: Save GPS coordinates of productive areas. Lobsters return to the same structure year after year.
- Respect the 100-Yard Rule: Stay at least 100 yards away from commercial lobster traps — it's illegal to harvest within this zone during regular season.
🎟 How to Catch Lobster While Snorkeling (Step-by-Step Technique)
Master the art of stealthy lobster harvesting — no scuba required
The key to catching lobster while snorkeling is to stay relaxed, approach slowly from the front (never from above), and use your tickle stick to gently coax the lobster out before netting it head-first. Work from the outside of a ledge inward, catching one lobster at a time without spooking others. Always measure in the water before harvesting, and release egg-bearing females immediately.
💦 Why Staying Relaxed Matters Underwater
Relaxed breathing slows your heart rate, burning oxygen slower. This gives you 30-50% more bottom time per dive to assess and catch lobster.
Jerky, frantic movements send vibrations through the water that alert lobster to danger. Smooth, controlled motions keep them in their holes longer.
When you're calm, your tickle stick and net work are precise. Rushed divers miss lobsters and damage coral in the process.
| ❌ Mistake | Why It Fails | ✅ Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming directly over the hole | Your shadow alerts the lobster instantly | Approach from the side or front |
| Jamming the tickle stick aggressively | Lobster shoots backward into the crack | Gentle wiggling beside the lobster |
| Grabbing the tail first | They back away and escape easily | Net head-first, control the antennae |
| Measuring on the boat | Illegal — must measure in the water | Measure before surfacing with lobster |
| Holding your breath too long | Rushing leads to mistakes and spooking | Stay relaxed, take multiple dives if needed |
🍜 Protect Florida’s Coral Reef: Rules That Could Cost You $10,000+
Coral touching, anchor damage, and carcass dumping are all violations — know the rules
It is prohibited to touch coral, bump corals with dive fins, stand on coral, or contact coral of any kind. Even a brief touch can kill coral polyps. Anchor on sand or rubble only — never on coral or reef structure.
Anchoring on living reef structure causes catastrophic damage and is a serious violation. Use mooring buoys where available. Where there are no buoys, anchor only in sand or rubble away from the reef edge.
It is illegal to dump fish or lobster carcasses in canals. Use sealed trash bags or shore-side dumpsters. Carcass dumping in residential canals is a fineable violation that also harms water quality and local wildlife.
Why Coral Protection Matters for Lobster: Healthy coral reef = more lobster habitat. The Florida Keys reef system supports one of the most productive spiny lobster fisheries on earth because of its rich coral ledge and rubble structure. Degrading the reef directly reduces future lobster populations.
🎟 Bully Netting: A Unique Way to Catch Lobster!
No diving required — perfect for families and non-swimmers
While many folks chase lobsters by diving, there’s a fantastic, equally exciting method called bully netting. Simply put, it’s a way to catch lobsters at night without ever getting in the water! You use a powerful light to spot lobsters as they “walk” and feed on the shallow grass flats, and then skillfully scoop them up with a specialized hoop net.
🌟 Why is Bully Netting Awesome and Family-Friendly?
- No Diving Required: You stay dry on the boat, making it accessible for everyone, including kids, seniors, or anyone not keen on snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Action-Packed Nights: Lobsters are nocturnal, so they’re out and about after dark. This means you’re actively searching and scooping, often leading to fast-paced, exciting action.
- Great for All Ages: Since you’re on the boat, it’s a fantastic way for the whole family to participate. Kids especially love spotting the lobsters with the lights and being part of the catch!
- Unique Experience: It’s a completely different kind of adventure under the stars, offering a unique perspective of the Keys’ marine life at night.
Important: Night diving for lobster is prohibited during the two-day mini season in Monroe County. Bully netting trips operate during the regular season (August 6 – March 31) when night diving is permitted.
⚓ Bridge Diving and Near Shoreline Restrictions
Important safety warnings for popular bridge spots
⚠ Bridge Diving: A Word of Caution, Especially at Tavernier Creek Bridge
Now, I know some folks might be tempted to try their luck under the bridges — you hear stories, and sometimes lobsters do hang out around pilings. But let me be absolutely clear: diving directly under or immediately next to active bridges in the Florida Keys, including a spot like the Tavernier Creek Bridge, is generally NOT advisable.
This isn’t just about what’s legal; it’s about significant safety hazards that can turn a fun day into a nightmare.
Specifically, when you talk about the Tavernier Creek Bridge:
- This bridge crosses a very active navigation channel. What does that mean? Lots of boats, all the time.
- Remember that “Near Shoreline Rule” we just talked about? The 300-foot no-diving zone from commercial or residential shoreline/marinas applies here. While the bridge itself isn’t “shoreline,” the approach areas and surrounding waters often fall under this restriction.
The Safety Concerns are Paramount:
- Heavy Boat Traffic: Keys bridges span incredibly busy channels. Diving here, especially during a high-traffic time like mini-season, puts you at extreme risk from passing vessels. Even with a dive flag, boaters might not see you or have time to react.
- Strong Currents: Channels under bridges are often choke points for water flow. Powerful, unpredictable currents can easily sweep you away or make controlling your position impossible. Tavernier Creek, in particular, is known for its strong currents.
- Commercial Trap Proximity: You’ll find commercial lobster traps near bridges. Interfering with them (or getting tangled in their lines) is illegal and dangerous.
- Structural Hazards: Underwater, bridge structures can hide all sorts of dangers: rebar, old fishing line, debris — all potential entanglement hazards.
- Night Diving Prohibition (Mini-Season): As we noted earlier, night diving is prohibited during mini-season in Monroe County. This means even if you thought lobsters were more active at night under bridges, you can’t target them then during the two-day mini-season.
The Bottom Line: For your own safety and to avoid legal trouble, I strongly recommend that you avoid diving directly under or very close to active bridges in the Florida Keys for lobster. Stick to the reefs, wrecks, and other designated lobster habitats that are clearly safer and legally permitted for diving.
| Mile Marker (MM) | Bridge Name (or Area) | Notes & Lobster Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 91.0 | Tavernier Creek Bridge | HIGH CAUTION for Lobstering. Spans an extremely active navigation channel. Diving directly under or immediately adjacent is strongly discouraged due to heavy boat traffic, very strong currents, and application of the 300-ft shoreline rule to nearby access/marina areas. |
| 85.5 | Snake Creek Draw Bridge | Generally considered a difficult/unsafe fishing area due to constant drawbridge operation and traffic. Not suitable for lobstering due to safety. |
| 84.0 | Whale Harbor Bridge | High traffic area. Not recommended for lobstering. |
| 79.1 | Tea Table Channel Bridge | Can be fished from land in nearby areas. Diving directly under is generally not advised due to safety concerns and regulations. |
| 77.1 | Lignumvitae Bridge | Can be fished from land in nearby areas. Diving directly under is generally not advised due to safety concerns and regulations. |
| 72.8 | Channel 2 Bridge (Lower Matecumbe) | Known for fishing platforms. Diving directly under for lobster carries significant risk due to boat traffic and current. |
| 71.4 | Channel 5 Bridge (Lower Matecumbe) | Has parking at the south end. Diving directly under for lobster is not recommended due to safety and regulations. |
| 65.8 | Long Key Bridge | Longest bridge in the Middle Keys. Diving for lobster directly under the active bridge is strongly discouraged due to extreme currents and boat traffic. |
| 47.0–40.0 | Seven Mile Bridge | Extreme caution. One of the longest bridges in the world. Diving under this bridge for lobster is highly dangerous and largely prohibited due to immense currents, heavy boat traffic, and vast open water exposure. |
Disclaimer: Diving directly under or immediately adjacent to active bridges for lobster is generally NOT advised and often has legal restrictions or significant safety hazards. Always prioritize your safety and consult FWC regulations before planning any activity near these structures. Source: MyFWC.com/Marine/Spiny Lobster
📚 Essential Gear for Your Lobster Dive (2026 Buyer's Guide)
Complete equipment breakdown with top brand recommendations and where to buy in the Upper Keys
To have a successful and legal Florida Keys lobster hunt, you’ll need a few key pieces of gear in addition to your basic dive or snorkel setup. This equipment is designed to help you safely locate, measure, and secure your catch, all while adhering to FWC regulations.
| Gear Item | Purpose | Top Brands | Price Range | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tickle Stick (Aluminum/Fiberglass) | Coax lobsters out of crevices | Marine Sports, MAKO, Danco, Brook Christie | $8-$25 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lobster Net (Shaped Hoop Net) | Scoop lobsters head-first | MAKO, Life League Gear, Danco, Brook Christie | $15-$35 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cut-Resistant Gloves | Protect hands from spines | MAKO, Neritic, Bionic | $12-$28 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lobster Measuring Gauge | Legal size verification (required) | Danco, Marine Sports, Generic | $5-$12 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mesh Catch Bag | Hold lobsters underwater | Danco, MAKO, Scuba Pro | $10-$20 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Complete Lobster Kit | All-in-one bundled gear | Danco Deluxe, MAKO Kit, Life League | $45-$75 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dive Flag with Float | Safety marker (required by law) | Scuba Pro, Danco, Generic | $20-$40 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gear Keeper Retractor | Attach gauge to BCD/weight belt | Gear Keeper, Dive Rite | $10-$18 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
🏆 Top Lobster Gear Brands Trusted by Florida Keys Locals
Crystal-clear transparent tickle sticks — see exactly what you're doing underwater. Professional-grade, used by charter captains throughout the Keys. Handcrafted in Pompano Beach, FL.
Shop Clear Threat →Clear hoop nets with fine mesh and ergonomic handles. Perfect visibility for precise net placement. Pairs perfectly with clear tickle sticks. Built by Brook & Viktor.
Shop Florida Lobster Nets →Complete lobster kits with premium tickle sticks, shaped nets, and cut-resistant gloves. Made in Florida, trusted by charter captains.
Buy MAKO Kits →Best value all-in-one kits. Includes tickle stick, net, gloves, gauge, and mesh bag. Perfect for first-timers and families.
Buy Danco Kits →Premium aluminum tickle sticks (3-foot, 1/4" diameter). Made in the Florida Keys. Lightweight and durable.
Buy Marine Sports →Innovative foldable and magnetic tickle stick/net kits. Compact storage, professional quality.
Buy Life League Gear →📍 Where to Buy Lobster Gear in the Upper Keys
The Upper Keys' premier lobster gear headquarters. Complete selection of Danco Deluxe Lobster Kits, MAKO kits, individual tickle sticks, nets, gloves, gauges, and mesh bags. Staff are experienced lobster divers who provide current spot intel and expert advice. Opens earliest (5:00 AM) during mini season for pre-dive shopping. Everything you need in one location.
Chris's Bait & Tackle opens at 5:00 AM during mini season week. Arrive the day before or early on mini season morning to get all your gear before heading to the ramp. Popular items like complete kits can sell out during peak season.
| Buying Option | What's Included | Total Cost | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danco Deluxe Lobster Kit | Tickle stick, net, gloves, gauge, mesh bag | $45-$55 | First-timers, families, value seekers | Danco.com → |
| MAKO Lobster Kit | Premium tickle stick, shaped net, gloves, gauge, bag | $65-$75 | Serious divers, charter-quality gear | MAKOSpearguns.com → |
| Life League Magnetic Kit | Foldable tickle stick, magnetic net, storage bag | $60-$70 | Compact storage, boat organization | LifeLeagueGear.com → |
| Brook Crist Clear Kit (Florida Lobster Nets) | Clear tickle stick, clear net, premium accessories | $55-$75 | Professional divers, visibility-focused | FloridaLobsterNets.com → |
| Buy Individual Pieces | Choose your own brands and quality levels | $50-$90+ total | Experienced divers, gear upgraders | Chris's Bait & Tackle, Amazon, Scuba.com |
💡 Gear Care & Maintenance Tips
- Rinse After Every Use: Saltwater corrodes metal and degrades mesh. Rinse tickle sticks, nets, and gauges with fresh water after each trip.
- Inspect Gloves Before Each Dive: Check for tears or worn spots. Compromised gloves mean spiny punctures and painful handling.
- Store Nets Flat or Hanging: Don't crush hoop nets in tackle boxes — they lose shape and become harder to maneuver underwater.
- Replace Bent Gauges: A bent or damaged measuring gauge can cause accidental violations. FWC officers check gauge accuracy. Replace if dropped or bent.
- Keep a Backup Gauge: Gauges are cheap ($5-$10). Keep one in your dive bag and one on the boat. Lost gauges = illegal possession if you can't measure.
🛒 Where to Buy Every Lobster Gear Item (Complete Link Guide)
Professional clear gear for maximum underwater visibility — "Clear Threat" series
Shop Florida Lobster Nets →Tavernier Creek Marina — opens 5 AM, all brands in stock
Get Directions →💡 Pro Tip: Order online 2-3 weeks before mini season (late July) to ensure delivery. Popular items like Brook Christie clear sticks and complete kits sell out quickly. Or arrive a day early and shop at Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina (opens 5 AM during mini season).
🚢 Book Your Mini Lobster Season Adventure
Best boat rentals and fishing charters in the Upper Keys
⚓ Best Boat Rental for Lobster Fishing: Anchors Away Boat Rentals
If you prefer to guide your own trip, the best boat rental company for lobster fishing in the Upper Florida Keys is Anchors Away Boat Rentals. They are widely regarded as the top choice due to their:
- Local Ownership and Expertise: As a family-run business with over 20 years of experience, they provide invaluable local knowledge, guiding you to the best lobster spots in Tavernier, Islamorada, and South Key Largo.
- Modern Equipment: Their fleet of over 30 meticulously maintained boats is equipped with cutting-edge Garmin touchscreen GPS systems, pre-programmed with routes to popular destinations, ensuring safe and stress-free navigation even in the Keys’ tricky shallow waters.
- Exceptional Service: They prioritize customer safety and satisfaction, offering thorough safety briefings, well-maintained Yamaha-powered boats known for reliability and fuel efficiency, and a team always ready to assist.
- Convenient Location: With a free boat slip at Tavernier Creek Marina, you get direct and easy ocean and bay access, plus on-site bait, tackle, and fuel. Plus, Tavernier Creek Marina has all the essential lobster gear you’ll need, from tickle sticks and nets to gloves and measuring gauges!
🔗 Book Your Adventure: anchorsawayboatrentals.com — Get ready to bag your limit this mini season.
🎰 Book a Reef & Wreck Side Quest with Good Karma Sportfishing
We don’t offer lobster fishing charters — but while you’re down here for mini season, book a Reef & Wreck Grouper trip with Captain Ryan as your perfect side quest! Grouper and Snapper are holding hard on the same reefs you’re diving for lobster. Let us put you on serious fish to fill the cooler alongside your lobster haul.
📞 Call Capt. Ryan for Reef & Wreck Fishing: (305) 619-2126 • goodkarmaryan@gmail.com
🎰 Complete Lobster Season Gear Checklist
❓ Florida Keys Lobster Season FAQ
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Mini Season!
As July draws to a close here in the Florida Keys, many might feel the summer winding down. But for locals and visitors alike, the end of July doesn’t signal an end; it marks the beginning of what many consider a Florida National Holiday: mini lobster season. Whether you’re diving for lobsters, bully netting with the family, or just enjoying the incredible atmosphere, we hope you have an amazing time in the Upper Keys. Tight lines and full coolers!
We don’t offer lobster charters — but book a Reef & Wreck Grouper side trip with us while you’re here!
📞 Call Capt. Ryan for Reef & Wreck Fishing: (305) 619-2126🔗 Official Lobster Season Resources
🎉 Conclusion: Get Ready for an Unforgettable Lobster Season
As July draws to a close here in the Florida Keys, many might feel the summer winding down. But for locals and visitors alike, the end of July doesn’t signal an end; it marks the beginning of what many consider a Florida National Holiday: mini lobster season.
This two-day event kicks off the annual spiny lobster harvest, allowing recreational enthusiasts a thrilling head start before the main commercial season officially opens on August 6th. Whether you’re diving for lobsters, trying bully netting with the family, or renting a boat from Anchors Away, the Upper Keys offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Remember to always check the official FWC regulations before heading out, respect the no-take zones, and practice safe boating. Have a fantastic lobster season, and tight lines!
This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Florida fishing regulations change annually and local municipal rules can change at any time. The information on this page should NOT be relied upon as legal advice or as a substitute for reviewing current official regulations before you go out on the water.
You are solely responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws before harvesting spiny lobster. Violations can result in significant fines, loss of licenses, and in some cases criminal charges. FWC officers actively patrol and board vessels during lobster season — always carry your license and lobster permit on your person.
Need to report a violation? Contact FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com. For Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary questions call 305-852-7717. Regulations shown reflect known rules as of June 2026 — always confirm before your trip.
Regulations change annually — always verify current rules at MyFWC.com before heading out. © 2026 Upper Keys Lobster Season Guide — Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada
