It’s that magical (and slightly chaotic) time of year again—Lobster Mini Season! Otherwise known as the "Great Crustacean Migration," "Lobsterpalooza," or for some locals… “48 Hours of Underwater Mayhem.”
Running from 12:01 AM on the last Wednesday of July through midnight Thursday, mini season gives eager divers and snorkelers their first crack at spiny lobster before the commercial traps hit the water. That puts us on Day Two right now—aka the “we’ve already seen everything” phase: boats rafted up like a floating tailgate party, sunburns setting in, and at least one person realizing they brought everything except their mask.
A Few Friendly Reminders from the Salty Side of Sanity:
1. Don’t Be “That Diver.”
Yes, we get it—you spotted a monster tail under that ledge. But remember: no egg-bearing females, no undersized lobsters (carapace must be over 3 inches), and no gloveless grabbing. That’s how you get a nasty spine surprise and a ticket from FWC.
2. Check Your Limits (and Your Cool).
The daily bag limit in Monroe County is 6 per person during mini season, and no, that doesn’t mean you, your cousin, your boat dog, and the cooler count as separate “people.” FWC officers have a great sense of humor—right up until they don’t.
3. Respect the Reefs.
We know those tails are tempting, but please—don’t stand on coral, break off chunks, or jam metal sticks into crevices like you’re lobster fencing. The reef is fragile, and it’s part of what makes the Keys so incredible.
4. Boating Safety is No Joke.
The waters are extra crowded, and not everyone’s watching where they’re going. Fly a dive flag (and stay within 300 feet of it), go slow in no-wake zones, and if you’re the designated captain, maybe save the beer for the dock later.
5. Locals Are Watching.
We see you anchoring over our secret spots. We’ll pretend not to notice... but we’re watching. (Kidding. Mostly.)
What Happens After the Madness?
Once the mini-season madness dies down, lobster go back into hiding until the regular season opens August 6th and runs all the way through March 31st. That gives everyone ample time to chase tails—without chasing each other at the boat ramp.
So whether you limited out or just got a great sunburn and a story, we hope you’re enjoying the Florida Keys safely, responsibly, and with a side of melted butter.
Happy hunting—and keep your fins up!
