Florida Spiny Lobster Season 2025 in Key West – Rules, Tips & Events

Dive Into the 2025 Florida Spiny Lobster Season in Key West

The 2025 Florida Spiny Lobster Season promises another thrilling chapter for locals and visitors eager to experience one of the island’s most iconic underwater adventures. The two-day Sport (Mini) Season kicks off on Wednesday–Thursday, July 30–31, followed by the Regular Lobster Season from August 6, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Harvesting hours run 12:01 a.m. to midnight, with a daily limit of 6 lobsters per person in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park.

To participate legally, all recreational harvesters aged 16 and older must carry a valid Florida saltwater fishing license and lobster permit, available via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or local tackle outlets. A gauge for measuring the carapace is required during harvest, and it's illegal to collect egg-bearing lobsters or to harvest in protected zones like Sanctuary Preservation Areas, Dry Tortugas, or Everglades National Park.

Snorkeling and diving are prohibited within 300 feet of residential or commercial shoreline, canals, or marinas in Monroe County during the two-day sport season and the first five days of the regular season in Key West. Night diving is also banned in Monroe County during mini-season. Harvesters must use approved gear only: tickle sticks, hand nets, bully nets, and gloves. Spears, recreational traps, bleach, and puncture devices are strictly forbidden.

Safety is crucial—vessels must display a divers-down flag, reduce speed within 100 to 300 feet of divers, and avoid anchoring on coral. Dive boats offering “lobster specialty charters” can provide equipment and local expertise, but each diver must bring a valid license and permit.

The local lobster culture heats up with Key West Lobsterfest, held August 7–10, 2025, just 24 hours after the regular season begins. Restaurants such as Dante’s and Hurricane Hole even offer “cook your catch” services, where cleaned tails are transformed into a post-dive feast.

Harvesters should avoid “double-dipping”—returning to shore and going back out the same day—as it still counts toward the daily limit. Violations can lead to fines from $100–$500 per lobster, and tampering with traps may result in felony charges.

With enforcement from FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, proper licensing, ethical harvesting, and reef awareness are more important than ever. Thanks to conservation efforts and participation in programs like the Lionfish Challenge, the spiny lobster fishery in the Florida Keys remains a model of sustainability.

Be sure to check the following before diving in:

• ✅ Valid saltwater license and spiny lobster permit

• ✅ Legal gear: gauge, gloves, tickle stick, and net

• ✅ Dive flag and USCG-required safety equipment

• ✅ Coral-friendly boating practices and no-take zone awareness

Florida’s most flavorful season is here—measure carefully, dive safely, and celebrate responsibly!