The 48 hours of lobster-snaring madness are officially over.
Another spiny lobster mini-season, also known as the sport season, has come and gone. However, don't worry if you missed out because the regular spiny lobster season follows right after.
Here's what to know before the season kicks off next week.
What are spiny lobsters?
Spiny lobsters have forward-pointing spines that cover their bodies and help protect them from predators, according to the Florida FWC.
Their colors can range from almost white to dark red-orange, and they have two large cream-colored spots on the top of the second segment of their tails. They grow up to 18 inches in body length and weigh up to 15 pounds.
When is the season for spiny lobster in Florida?
There are two different seasons for spiny lobster, which happen back-to-back.
The mini spiny
lobster season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, which passed earlier this week on July 29 and July 30.
For those not into the competition, the regular spiny lobster season goes from Aug. 6, 2026, through March 31, 2027.
Do you need a license to harvest lobster in Florida?
Yes, you do. You will need both a recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit.
What is the daily bag limit for spiny lobsters during the regular season?
The bag limit for spiny lobsters during the regular season is six per day per person.
During the mini season, it is doubled to 12 except for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park.
What is the minimum size limit for spiny lobster?
The carapace length must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water, to ensure the lobster is at least 2 years old. Possession and use of a measuring device are required at all times.
The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding any soft tissue, and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace, the FWC said.
What are some of the rules surrounding harvesting spiny lobster?
The FWC says you cannot harvest or attempt to harvest spiny lobster using any device that will or could puncture, penetrate or crush the exoskeleton (shell) or the flesh of the lobster.
Lobster must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters. Possession limits are enforced on and off the water, the FWC also warns.
It is a felony to damage, molest or take lobsters from traps in state or federal waters. Recreational trapping is prohibited.
Can I harvest an egg-bearing spiny lobster?
No. FWC says that the harvest or possession of egg-bearing spiny lobster, or any other egg-bearing species of lobster belonging to the families Palinuridae (spiny lobsters), Scyllaridae (slipper lobsters) or Synaxidae (furry lobsters) is prohibited.
Can I fish for spiny lobsters everywhere in Florida?
No. Harvesting lobsters is prohibited in these locations:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (only during the mini-season)
- Everglades National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- No-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
- Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary
- The five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mini lobster season is over. When regular season begins in Florida
