Florida’s Spiny Lobster Mini Season Draws Divers to the Keys in Late July

As July winds toward its final week, South Florida welcomes one of the state’s most anticipated recreational events: spiny lobster mini season. This two-day fishing window, held the last Wednesday and Thursday of July each year, temporarily closes commercial lobster operations to give recreational divers priority access to the coveted crustaceans throughout the Florida Keys and surrounding waters.

Participants face specific regulations designed to maintain sustainable populations. Divers are limited to 12 lobsters per person daily, though that threshold drops to six per person daily in Monroe County, home to the Florida Keys. The carapace—the shell section extending from head to tail—must measure at least 3 inches in length, and all harvesting is prohibited in protected areas, national parks, and state parks. A valid lobster permit, obtainable through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, is required before heading to the water.

The beauty of mini season lies in its accessibility. While diving tanks and full SCUBA equipment enhance the experience, shallow waters in the Upper and Middle Keys allow successful harvesting with minimal gear: a mask, snorkel, gloves, and a kayak suffice for many divers. Lobsters typically hide in crevices, rocky holes, and beneath submerged debris, rewarding thorough underwater exploration with daily limits of fresh catch.

Tourism surges along the Florida Keys during this period, with hotels and lodges filling as both residents and visitors converge for the seasonal opportunity. Many divers extend their stays throughout the week to combine lobster diving with world-class fishing available along both coasts of the archipelago, maximizing the recreational experience in one of Florida’s premier destinations.