Lobstermen gear up for lobster miniseason in Florida

( NewsNation ) — Some of the top lobster catchers from around the country flocked to Florida this week, all for one prized shellfish: The lobster.

Lobster miniseason started Wednesday, allowing residen ts and visitors to catch these crustacean creatures off the coast of Florida.

What is Florida’s lobster mini-season?

The annual lobster mini-season is a two-day event where people can legally catch lobsters in Florida waters.

The 2024 mini-season started at midnight on Wednesday and ends at midnight on Thursday.

The regular recreational season opens on Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2025.

What are the lobster mini-season rules?

The Florida Wildlife Commission has several rules and regulations. All participants must have a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit, and dive flags must be displayed.

In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the daily limit is six lobsters per person. For the rest of Florida, it’s 12 per person.

Additionally, no egg-bearing lobsters can be taken, and the body and head of the lobster must measure at least three inches. Authorities will be conducting checks at the docks.

FWC warns that these days are extremely busy and potentially dangerous on the water. Violations of these rules can result in hefty fines or even jail time.

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