Mini lobster season is over. When regular season begins in Florida

Florida’s mini spiny lobster season—also called the sport season—ended after the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, which fell on July 29 and July 30. The regular spiny lobster season begins next week, running Aug. 6, 2026 through March 31, 2027, under rules set by the Florida FWC. Harvesting requires both a recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit. The daily bag limit is six per person during the regular season; it is doubled to 12 during the mini season, except for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park. The minimum size is a carapace length over 3 inches, measured in the water. The FWC also outlines restrictions on gear, landing lobsters whole, and prohibited possession of egg-bearing spiny lobsters.