Overview
- The two‑day recreational mini season began Wednesday and runs July 29–30, allowing licensed anglers to harvest spiny lobster under tight limits.
- Daily bag limits are 12 lobsters per person in most Florida waters and six per person in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park.
- Harvesters must carry a saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit, measure carapace length in the water with a device, land lobsters whole, and return any egg‑bearing females to the sea.
- Possession rules set on‑water holdings equal to the daily bag limit and allow off‑water possession equal to the daily limit on July 29 and double that limit on July 30, while Monroe County bans night diving during the mini season.
- Year‑round no‑take zones including Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks and designated sanctuary and coral protection areas remain in effect as FWC law enforcement monitors compliance and reef impacts.