🦞Florida Lobster Mini Season 2025: What Every Diver Should Know

📅Mini Season is a special 2 day window that opens before the regular lobster season. In 2025, it runs from 12:01 AM on July 30 through midnight on July 31. It's designed to give recreational divers a head start before commercial operations begin.

✅ What You’ll Need

To participate in Mini Season legally and safely, make sure you’ve got the following:

• Valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License

• Spiny Lobster Permit

• A gauge to measure carapace size (must be 3" or larger to keep)

• Catch bag and tickle stick (no spearing allowed)

• Dive lights and gloves (highly recommended)

• Knowledge of daily limits

📍 Local Rules & Limits (Palm Beach County)

• Bag Limit: 12 lobsters per person, per day

• No egg-bearing females may be taken

• Minimum Size: 3" carapace (measured in the water)

🦺 Reminder: FWC patrols are active during Mini Season. Know the rules, and follow them underwater.

🛥️ Why Book With a Charter?

• Save time navigating (we drop you right on the structure)

• Dive with an experienced crew who knows where the bugs like to hide

• Enjoy the fun, team atmosphere of a boat full of bug hunters

🎯 Our Take

We believe every great dive starts with respect for the reef. Our crew is committed to protecting the marine life and habitats that make South Florida diving so unique. That means:

• Following all FWC regulations

• Never taking egg-bearing females

• Avoiding contact with coral and reef structure

• Knowing when to leave a lobster behind

  
  

Lobsters aren’t just a catch, they’re part of a larger ecosystem. Responsible harvesting ensures healthy reefs and keeps Mini Season sustainable for years to come.