Florida’s two-day spiny lobster sport season gets underway Wednesday, July 29, giving recreational divers and netters a short window to target the crustaceans before the regular season opens August 6.
Regulations and Reminders
State wildlife officials remind anyone planning to participate that they need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license along with a spiny lobster permit, unless exempt under state law. Bag limits for the two-day event depend on where you plan to hunt. Divers in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park are restricted to six lobsters per person, per day. In all other state waters, the daily limit is 12 per person.
Harvesters are required to follow several strict rules while on the water: lobsters must have a carapace measuring larger than three inches, egg-bearing females are strictly off-limits, lobsters must be brought back to shore whole, and gear that pierces, crushes, or punctures the shell is prohibited.
For participants in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge, there is a perk. Recreational harvesters who have submitted at least 25 lionfish—and commercial harvesters who have logged 50 pounds—are allowed one extra lobster per day during the sport season.
Full details on rules, permits, and conservation guidelines are posted on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at MyFWC.com/Fishing, with lionfish incentive details available at MyFWC.com/LionfishChallenge.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
