APRIL 1, 2019, Florida Keys -- Florida’s eight-month regular recreational and commercial lobster season ended on March 31, meaning no harvesting of lobster until the two-day mini-season arrives July 24 and 25. Then the next regular recreational and commercial season starts on August 6.
For those who would think of harvesting lobster out of season, there are consequences.
Lobster harvested out of season is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine or both. There could be additional penalties if the lobster is not legal size, if the lobster is speared or bearing eggs, or if the tail is wrung (removed) while still on or in the water.
Please respect our resources and wait for the seasons to re-open while not putting yourself in legal jeopardy.