Travel Updates Florida coastal waters

Florida regular spiny lobster season opens Aug. 6

Florida’s regular spiny lobster season opened Aug. 6, with a six-lobster daily recreational limit and statewide licensing and size rules.

By Florida Go Last verified August 13, 2026
Original editorial illustration of a spiny lobster above a stylized coral reef
AI-generated editorial illustration illustrating a general spiny-lobster recreation theme © Florida Go · Florida Go owned

Florida’s regular spiny lobster season opened Aug. 6 and will run through March 31, 2027, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Key recreational rules

For the regular season, FWC lists a daily bag limit of six spiny lobsters per person. Harvesters need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit unless an exemption applies.

Each lobster must have a carapace longer than three inches, and it must be measured in the water. Harvesters are required to carry a measuring device.

Protected waters and trip planning

FWC says lobster harvest is prohibited year-round in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary and specified coral reef protection areas in Biscayne National Park.

The regular season is distinct from July’s two-day sport season, which had different bag limits in some areas. Before a trip, visitors should check the current FWC regulations and local access restrictions.

This catch-up report covers the 24-hour news window ending Aug. 7, 2026, at 08:00 Kyiv time.

Evidence

Sources

  1. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Spiny lobster sport season Government · 2026-07-27
  2. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Spiny lobster regulations Government
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