Get Your Lobster Permit Before Mini Season Starts
Florida lobster mini season is only two days, so the mistake window is tiny. Before you dive, bully net, snorkel, or ride along, you need to know the 2026 dates, permit cost, bag limit, measuring rule, Monroe County night-diving rule and closed areas.
This refreshed guide turns the official FWC rules, Go Outdoors license catalog, and Florida Keys brochure details into a dock-ready checklist: who needs the spiny lobster permit, how to buy it, what the combo includes, where you cannot harvest, and what to verify before the boat leaves the ramp.
Fast answer: Florida lobster mini season for 2026 is Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, 2026. Unless you are exempt, you need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license plus a spiny lobster permit to take, attempt to take, or possess spiny lobster.
The annual lobster permit is $5. Florida residents can also buy a five-year lobster permit for $25. The permit does not override bag limits, the 3-inch carapace rule, closed areas, Monroe County night-diving rules, local 300-foot ordinances, or whole-condition rules.
Florida Lobster Mini Season Permit Checker
Use this before buying. It helps you decide whether you likely need the lobster permit, saltwater license, combo package, or only rule checking. Always finish with the official FWC and Go Outdoors pages.
Florida Lobster Mini Season 2026 Dates
The two-day recreational sport season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. For 2026, FWC lists the sport season as July 29–30, 2026.
| Season | 2026 date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Two-day recreational sport season / mini season | July 29–30, 2026 | Early recreational-only opportunity before the regular season. Special Monroe County and Biscayne National Park limits apply. |
| Closed gap after mini season | July 31–August 5, 2026 | Do not assume the day after mini season is open. Regular season begins August 6. |
| Regular recreational spiny lobster season | August 6, 2026–March 31, 2027 | Regular season has a statewide 6-per-person daily bag limit and still requires whole-condition, measurement and closed-area compliance. |
Florida Spiny Lobster Permit Cost and License Rules
FWC says, unless exempt, a recreational saltwater fishing license and lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobster. Go Outdoors Florida lists the annual lobster permit at $5 and the resident five-year lobster permit at $25.
| Item | Resident | Nonresident | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiny Lobster Permit – 1 year | $5.00 | $5.00 | Taking, attempting to take or possessing spiny lobster when a permit is required. |
| Spiny Lobster Permit – 5 year | $25.00 | Not listed for nonresidents | Residents who lobster across multiple seasons. |
| Annual saltwater fishing license | $17.00 | $47.00 | Base saltwater license if you are not exempt. |
| Nonresident 3-day or 7-day saltwater license | Resident annual usually makes more sense | $17.00 / $30.00 | Important for visitors, but short-term nonresident licenses are no longer available online after the 2025 FWC update. |
| Lobster Combo package | $34.00 shown for resident package view | Check catalog based on customer profile | Convenient, but compare package items because it includes a hard card and donation. |
Nonresident Visitor Update: Short-Term License Buying Changed
FWC announced that effective November 7, 2025, nonresident 3-day and 7-day recreational fishing licenses are no longer available online. Visitors can still buy those short-term licenses through tax collectors and license agents.
FWC also says nonresident annual saltwater license purchases will automatically add snook and spiny lobster permits if they are not already active. That does not remove your responsibility to check season, size, bag, closed-area and gear rules.
Short visitor trip
Plan extra time to buy a 3-day or 7-day nonresident license in person through an agent or tax collector.
Annual visitor license
Nonresident annual saltwater license purchases can automatically add spiny lobster permit, but verify the permit appears before harvest.
Before driving
Call the license agent and ask whether they can sell the exact nonresident saltwater option you need today.
Lobster Combo vs Exact Permit: Do Not Overbuy
Go Outdoors Florida shows a $34 Lobster Combo as a one-click package. It includes the 1-year Lobster Permit, a Hard Card, a 1-year Saltwater Fishing license, and a $2 youth-program donation. It can be helpful if you need all of those items, but it can cost more than buying only the exact item you need.
Combo may help
You need a saltwater license, need the lobster permit, want a hard card, and are comfortable with the included donation.
Combo may waste money
You already have a valid saltwater license, are exempt, or only need to add the $5 lobster permit.
Best checkout habit
Open package details, compare individual items, and only pay for what matches your trip and account status.
Mini Season Bag and Possession Limits
The 2026 mini-season limits depend on where you harvest. Possession limits are enforced on and off the water, and people who are not actively harvesting cannot be used to increase a boat’s bag limit.
| Area | Daily bag limit during mini season | Possession rule |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe County / Florida Keys | 6 lobster per person per day | On the water: equal to daily bag. Off water: daily bag on July 29; double daily bag on July 30. |
| Biscayne National Park | 6 lobster per person per day | Same sport-season possession logic, but extra BNP closed areas apply. |
| Rest of Florida | 12 lobster per person per day | On-water possession equals the daily bag limit; off-water possession changes by day. |
| Regular season statewide | 6 lobster per person per day | Regular season opens August 6 and runs through March 31. |
How to Measure a Florida Spiny Lobster Correctly
The minimum size is a carapace length larger than 3 inches, measured in the water. FWC requires possession and use of a measuring device at all times when harvesting lobster.
Carry the measuring gauge before entering the water
Do not keep the gauge in the truck, dry bag or cooler while divers are in the water. It must be available and used.
Measure in the water
Measure before putting the lobster in your bag or bringing it aboard. Undersized lobster must be released unharmed.
Use carapace length, not tail length
Measurement begins at the forward edge between the rostral horns and proceeds along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace.
Check for eggs before keeping
Egg-bearing lobster must be released. Eggs can appear as orange, yellow, brown or red masses under the tail.
Closed Areas: Where Lobster Harvest Is Prohibited
Some areas are closed during mini season, and others are closed year-round. The Florida Keys and Biscayne National Park have several no-take or special-protection areas, so do not rely on “everyone else is diving here” as your rule check.
| Area | Mini-season rule | User-help note |
|---|---|---|
| John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Lobster harvest is prohibited during the sport season. | Do not plan a mini-season harvest inside the park. |
| Everglades National Park | Lobster harvest prohibited at all times. | Bully nets and hoop nets are also prohibited in Everglades National Park Florida Bay. |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Lobster harvest prohibited at all times. | Check national park rules before any trip. |
| Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary no-take areas | Lobster harvest prohibited in no-take zones. | Use official sanctuary maps and marked zones. |
| Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary | Lobster harvest prohibited at all times. | Do not assume all Biscayne/Card Sound areas are open. |
| Biscayne National Park Coral Reef Protection Areas | Lobster fishing/harvest prohibited in the five CRPAs. | Check BNP maps before entering the water. |
| Artificial habitat in state waters | Harvesting lobster from non-permitted artificial habitat is prohibited. | Do not place or use artificial cover to collect lobster. |
Florida Keys and Monroe County Mini Season Rules
The Keys are where many mini-season violations happen because rules stack together: FWC limits, national marine sanctuary zones, local shoreline ordinances, park closures and night-diving restrictions.
No night diving in Monroe County
FWC says night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during sport season. The Keys brochure defines night as one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.
300-foot local shoreline rules
Keys local ordinances can restrict snorkeling or diving within 300 feet of improved shorelines, canals and marinas during specific mini-season windows.
Do not touch coral
The Keys brochure reminds divers that coral is protected from damage and removal in state and federal waters.
Biscayne National Park: Mini Season Is Not Fully Open Everywhere
Biscayne National Park has a 6-per-person mini-season bag limit, but several areas inside or near the park are closed. FWC lists the five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park as closed to lobster harvest.
Daily limit
During sport season, Biscayne National Park follows the 6-per-person daily lobster limit.
Closed protection areas
Do not harvest in BNP Coral Reef Protection Areas. Check official maps before the trip.
Nearby sanctuary confusion
Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary is closed at all times, so map your route before entering the water.
Legal Gear and Harvest Methods
Most recreational harvesters use hand capture, tickle sticks, nets, diving, snorkeling, hoop nets or bully nets where legal. But the wrong tool can turn a legal trip into a violation.
Hand capture
Common for divers and snorkelers. Measure in the water before bagging.
Net methods
Bully nets and hoop nets may be used where allowed. Check park and local rules first.
Diver-down flag
Divers and snorkelers must display a diver-down flag and boaters must follow distance and idle-speed rules.
No recreational traps
FWC lists recreational trapping as prohibited for spiny lobster.
Prohibited Actions: The Rules People Forget
These rules are not small details. They are common enforcement checks during mini season.
- No undersized lobster: Carapace must be larger than 3 inches and measured in the water.
- No egg-bearing lobster: Egg-bearing spiny, slipper or furry lobster must not be harvested or possessed.
- No tail separation in state waters: Lobster must be landed in whole condition.
- No spears, hooks or puncturing devices: Devices that can puncture, penetrate or crush the shell or flesh are prohibited.
- No recreational traps: Recreational trapping is prohibited.
- No artificial habitat harvest: Harvesting from non-permitted artificial habitat is prohibited in Florida.
- No trap molesting: Damaging, molesting or taking lobster from commercial or ghost traps is a serious violation.
- No borrowed bag limits: Only active, properly licensed or exempt harvesters count toward bag limits.
- No coral damage: Do not stand on, hold, kick or anchor into coral while looking for lobster.
- No guessing closed zones: Sanctuary, park and local zone rules can be stricter than statewide FWC limits.
How to Buy the Florida Lobster Permit Online
The official online route is Go Outdoors Florida. Buy early enough to check your effective date, account status, saltwater license and hard-card choices before mini season starts.
Open Go Outdoors Florida
Start with the official licensing portal. Avoid lookalike pages or ads that charge extra for basic steps.
Check your saltwater license first
If you are not exempt, you need a recreational saltwater fishing license in addition to the lobster permit.
Add “Lobster Permit – 1 year”
The annual permit is listed at $5. Residents who lobster often can compare the five-year option.
Compare combo vs exact items
If you see a Lobster Combo, open the details and compare it against buying only the items you need.
Set the effective date correctly
Go Outdoors package details note effective dates may have limits. Do not wait until the boat ramp if you need a start date for July 29.
Save proof in two places
Keep your license/permit in the Fish|Hunt FL app, email, screenshot or printed form before you reach the water.
Visitors, Residents, Seniors and Youth
Mini season attracts many visitors and family groups. The license answer can change by age, residency, exemption and whether the person is actually harvesting.
| Person | Likely license/permit path | Do not forget |
|---|---|---|
| Florida resident adult | Saltwater license plus lobster permit unless exempt. | Annual saltwater is $17; annual lobster permit is $5. |
| Nonresident visitor age 16+ | Florida nonresident saltwater license plus lobster permit unless exempt. | Short-term nonresident license purchase may require in-person agent/tax collector after the 2025 FWC update. |
| Florida resident age 65+ | May be license-exempt with proof of age/residency. | Still follow all season, bag, gear, measurement and closed-area rules. |
| Youth under 16 | Generally license-exempt. | Youth only count toward limits if they are actively harvesting. |
| Passenger, photographer or observer | No license if not harvesting or helping. | They cannot be counted toward bag limits if not actively harvesting. |
Mini Season Safety and Ramp Checklist
Mini season is crowded. Safety is not just a nice add-on; FWC and local officials expect divers, snorkelers and boaters to plan for heavy traffic, poor visibility, fatigue and fast weather changes.
Before the trip
Check weather, tides, storms, ramp parking, vessel safety gear, diver-down flags, license proof and closed-zone maps.
In the water
Use a buddy system, measure before bagging, watch boat traffic, avoid coral contact and stop when tired.
After harvest
Count limits by active harvester, keep lobster whole, check for eggs, and be ready for an FWC inspection.
Official PDF and Source Audit Notes
FWC’s live lobster page should be your final rule source. The Florida Keys mini-season brochure and John Pennekamp lobster brochure add practical local details that are easy to miss when planning a Keys trip.
Florida Keys brochure: season times
The brochure says lobster mini season begins at 12:01 a.m. on Day 1 and ends at midnight on Day 2.
Florida Keys brochure: 300-foot local rule
The brochure lists local ordinances restricting snorkeling or diving within 300 feet of improved shorelines, canals and marinas during specific sport-season windows.
Florida Keys brochure: Monroe night definition
The brochure defines night for the Monroe County diving rule as one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.
Florida Keys brochure: closed zones
The brochure lists sanctuary preservation areas, ecological reserves, research-only areas, Everglades, Dry Tortugas, Card Sound and Biscayne-related closures.
Florida Keys brochure: diver flag distances
The brochure says divers should stay within 100 feet of the dive flag in navigation channels and within 100 yards in open water, with vessels slowing to idle speed inside those distances.
FWC live page: current enforcement rules
FWC’s current lobster page controls 2026 sport season dates, possession limits, closed areas and other statewide restrictions.
Helpful Video: Florida Lobster Rules and Safety
This video is included as a visual helper for lobster mini-season rules and measuring basics. Use the official FWC links above for current 2026 rules, dates, closed areas and permit checkout.
Related Florida License Guides
These verified internal guides can help if your mini-season trip also involves visitors, permit add-ons, renewal, login help or license costs.
Florida fishing permits
Compare snook, lobster, tarpon, reef fish, shark and trap-related add-ons.
Florida fishing license cost
Check saltwater license, permit and package prices before buying.
Nonresident fishing license
Useful if a visitor is joining your mini-season trip.
GoOutdoorsFlorida login help
Use this if your account, customer lookup or print/view process is confusing.
FWC Contact, Keys Help and Map
For licensing, use FWC and Go Outdoors Florida. For Florida Keys no-take area information, FWC points anglers to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the FWC Marathon office.
FWC Marathon office
Phone: 305-289-2320. Useful for Keys lobster and local area questions.
Florida Keys sanctuary info
Phone: 305-852-7717. Use for sanctuary and no-take area information.
FWC licensing help
Phone: 850-488-3641. Use for licensing and permitting questions.
Official Florida Lobster Mini Season Links
Use these task links after you understand which license, permit and rule checks apply to your trip.
FWC spiny lobster regulations
Official mini-season dates, bag limits, possession limits, closed areas and prohibitions.
Buy or view license
Official Go Outdoors Florida system for licenses and permits.
License and permit catalog
Check lobster permit, saltwater license and package prices.
Florida Keys sanctuary
Check sanctuary maps and no-take zones before diving or snorkeling.
Florida Lobster Mini Season Permit FAQs
When is Florida lobster mini season in 2026?
FWC lists the 2026 two-day recreational sport season as July 29–30, 2026. The regular spiny lobster season opens August 6 and runs through March 31.
Do I need a permit for Florida lobster mini season?
Unless exempt, you need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit to take, attempt to take or possess spiny lobster.
How much is the Florida spiny lobster permit?
Go Outdoors Florida lists the annual lobster permit at $5 and the Florida resident five-year lobster permit at $25.
What changed for nonresident short-term license buying?
FWC announced that nonresident 3-day and 7-day recreational fishing licenses are no longer available online after November 7, 2025, but they can still be purchased through tax collectors and license agents.
What is the mini-season bag limit in the Florida Keys?
During the sport season, the bag limit is 6 lobster per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park.
What is the mini-season bag limit outside Monroe County?
During mini season, FWC lists 12 lobster per person per day for the rest of Florida outside Monroe County and Biscayne National Park.
What size lobster can I keep?
The spiny lobster carapace must be larger than 3 inches and measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times.
Can I dive at night during mini season in Monroe County?
No. FWC says night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during the sport season, and diving means swimming at or below the surface.
Can I harvest lobster in John Pennekamp during mini season?
No. FWC says harvest of lobster is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season.
Can I separate lobster tails on the boat?
No. FWC says lobster must be landed in whole condition and separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters.
Can kids count toward the boat bag limit?
Only active harvesters who are properly licensed or legally exempt can count toward bag limits. Children or passengers who are not actively harvesting cannot be used to increase the boat’s limit.