TALLAHASSEE, FL — The 2026 Florida spiny lobster season officially begins with the two-day recreational sport season on July 29-30, giving recreational harvesters an early opportunity to catch lobster before the regular season opens on Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2027.
Before heading out, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds harvesters to have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license, spiny lobster permit, and to review all current harvest regulations.
During the two-day sport season, the daily bag limit is six lobsters per person in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park waters, and 12 lobsters per person in all other Florida waters.
FWC regulations require lobsters to have a carapace measuring more than three inches, which must be measured while the lobster is still in the water. Harvesters must carry a measuring device at all times. Egg-bearing female lobsters may not be harvested, and lobsters must remain whole. Using devices that puncture, penetrate, or crush a lobster’s shell is also prohibited.
Participants in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge who meet eligibility requirements may harvest one additional lobster per day during the sport season by carrying their official FWC-issued challenge coin.
FWC also reminds boaters and divers to put safety first by wearing life jackets, never operating a vessel under the influence, and following all divers-down flag regulations.
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
