Florida’s lobster season is on the bucket list of many divers. And the mini Florida lobster season, in particular, brings together thousands of visitors to catch lobster.
Expect two days of hunting lobsters, meeting fellow divers, and spending time in and on the water. Gather your dive buddies and get ready to head to Florida for 48 hours of lobster-catching excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about Florida lobster season.
What is the Florida lobster season?
Once every year, the Florida coasts swarm with lobster-loving freedivers and scuba divers coming to get their fill during a two-day hunt, locally known as the “mini-season”. Hunters are looking for spiny lobsters and make the most of these days of recreational lobster hunting before the commercial season starts shortly after.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages hunters to catch responsibly and follow safe diving and boating practices. This helps to regulate the event and keep everyone safe.
The diving area ranges from seagrass, shipwrecks, coral reefs, and mangroves. It really is a treat for divers to explore. Make sure you know the lingo: locals refer to lobsters as “bugs” and diving is known as “bugging”.
Dive boats and hotels fill up fast for the lobster season, so try to book early if you’re planning to go.
When is the Florida lobster season?
The larger lobster season in Florida lasts eight months and is observed from August 6th, 2025, until March 31st, 2026. However, the “mini-season” takes place on the last Wednesday and Thursday in July every year. In 2025, the Florida mini lobster season will be on July 30th and 31st.
Northeastern Florida offers early-season hunting with deep water and marginal visibility, with plenty of lobsters to be caught. However, Northeastern Florida is recommended for experienced divers only. The coral reefs of Key West up to the ledges of Jacksonville offer many lobsters in late summer to early fall. The best “bugging” happens in Atlantic waters.
What are the rules during the Florida lobster season?
It is critical to follow the latest rules and regulations for lobster catching. Failure to do so may result in citations from law enforcement or the FWC officers. Here are the rules:
- Use a lobster gauge to measure your lobsters in the water and measure them correctly. The hard part of the shell (the carapace) must measure more than three inches and the lobster must weigh around one pound.
- Use your dive flag correctly. Put the flag up while diving and stay within 300 feet of it (or 100 feet in a channel).
- The maximum limit of lobsters per person is six per day. No exceptions.
- Recreational trapping is not allowed. It is illegal to damage or take lobsters from traps in state or federal waters.
- Check your boat safety gear thoroughly.
- Go slow when within 100 yards of a boat with a dive flag displayed.
- Do not touch or kick coral, stand on coral, and/or anchor your boat to coral.
- If lobsters have eggs on the underside of their tail, they should be immediately released.
- Yellow flags indicate areas where lobster hunting is not permitted.
- To hunt, you need a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit.
- People should not go night diving.
Gear for lobster diving
The right gear for lobster diving can be the difference between a successful catch and coming up short. Invest in the best equipment to maximize your chances of catching lobster. Here’s what you’ll need.
Lobster Gauges
A lobster gauge is a measurement tool that allows you to determine if you can remove a lobster from the water. In Florida, a lobster must be longer than three inches.
A Lobster Bag & Net
Use a lobster bag or net to catch and hold your carapace underwater.
Lobster Tickle Stick
A lobster tickle stick is a long rod with a bent end. This stick tickles or coaxes a lobster from its hiding spot.
Lobster Gloves
Keep your hands free of cuts and scrapes with lobster gloves.
Gear Bag
You can transport your gear safely and organize it with a gear bag.
Wet Suit
A wet suit will help keep in your body heat, for more comfortable, and safer diving.
How to catch a lobster
Lobster hunting is harder than you might think. The critters camouflage well and can be tricky to find. A few tips to catch a lobster include:
- When you spot a lobster, use your tickle stick to tap the lobster on the tail, and push it gently out of the hole or crevice.
- Place your net directly behind the lobster.
- Tap the lobster on the head with your tickle stick; this should cause the lobster to pump its tail and propel backward into your net.
Now you have all the information you need to enjoy the Florida lobster season!
