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REGULAR LOBSTER SEASON
STATE WATERS
Bag Limit: Six (6) per person per day or twenty-four (24) per boat,
whichever is greater. Example: If there are one through four persons in one
boat, the bag limit will be (24) lobsters per boat. If there are five persons in
one boat, the bag limit will be 30 lobsters. (6 per person) per boat.
Boundary: All waters surrounding the Florida Keys out to 3 miles on the
ocean side and out to 9 miles on the Gulf side (except in Everglades National
Park). See NOAA Gulf chart for official boundary.
Diving at Night: For lobster is permitted in state waters.
Restricted Areas: Within Pennekamp State Park: Turtle Rocks, Higdon's
Reef, Cannon Patch, Basin Hills North, Basin Hills East, Basin Hills South,
Mosquito Bank North, Mosquito Bank S.E., Three Sisters North, Three Sisters
South.
Closed Areas: Lobstering is restricted year round in Everglades National
Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. For specific information contact: Pennekamp
State Park, (305-451-1202), National Park Service (305-852-5119).
FEDERAL WATERS
Bag Limit: Six (6) per person per day or (6) per person per trip when
the trip is longer than one day.
Boundary: Federal waters begins three (3) miles from shore on the ocean
side and 9 miles on the Gulf side, or the most seaward point of land (such as
islands). See NOAA chart for official boundary line.
Diving at Night: For lobster is permitted in federal waters.
The federal bag limit CANNOT be combined with the state bag limit.
FACTS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.......
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid
Florida Saltwater Fishing License with a current crawfish stamp. Consult your
license agent for exemptions to licensing requirements. Licenses are available
through local tax collectors, many tackle shops and marine supply stores.
STATE AND FEDERAL WATERS: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
navigational charts should be used to distinguish state and federal waters. Look
for the gray, curved line marked "Territorial Sea" on the Atlantic
side, and the "Natural Resources Boundary" on the Gulf side. (Teall's
Map: does not show the state/federal boundary line. Enforcement officers will be
using NOAA charts to determine the boundaries).
GEAR: Such as spears, hooks and wire snares that injure lobster are not allowed.
"BULLY-NETTING": Using a circular frame attached at a right angle to
the end of a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing is permitted.
Possession of bully nets is prohibited in Everglades National Park.
MEASURING GAUGE: Each harvester must have a gauge made for measuring lobster
while harvesting in the water.
SIZE LIMIT: Lobster carapace must be greater than three (3) inches. All
lobster must be measured in the water and released unharmed if undersized.
POSSESSION: Lobster must be of legal size before they are in
possession. For example, lobster in your catch bag in the water are considered
in possession. All lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea.
NOTE: You may not have lobster in your possession in Everglades National Park.
SPANISH AND SLIPPER LOBSTER: Are closed to harvest in Key Largo and Looe Key
National Marine Sanctuaries, Everglades National Park, Pennekamp State Park and
Dry Tortugas National Park.
EGG-BEARING (BERRIED) LOBSTER: Of any species must be released unharmed. Eggs
are an orange, yellow, brown, or red mass found covering the underside of the
lobster's tail.
REMEMBER: COMMERCIAL LOBSTER TRAPS: It is a felony to molest, damage, or take
lobster from traps in state or federal waters.
LOBSTERING IS PROHIBITED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
* Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary
* Everglades National Park
* Dry Tortugas National Park
* Pennekamp State Park (in certain areas during regular season)
Refer to NOAA navigational charts for official demarcation of these
boundaries.
WHILE LOBSTERING PLEASE REMEMBER...
Your Diver's Down Flag
In state and federal waters, all vessels with divers or snorkelers in the
water are required to post a diver down flag. Please post your dive flag, stay
near it and respect others' dive areas. Use idle speed within 100 yards of a
dive flag or diver.
Lower your dive flag when divers are out of the water.
Be kind to coral
Coral is protected from damage and harvest in all Keys waters. Be
careful not to contact coral while conducting your lobster harvest. Do not flip
or overturn coral or rocks. This activity not only kills coral and other marine
life, but also destroys future homes and hiding places for lobster.
Anchor in sand or use a mooring buoy
To avoid damaging the reef be sure your anchor is carefully lowered into a
white sandy area. Check to be sure your anchor line and/or chain is not
contacting any hard or soft corals.
Navigation in Keys waters is tricky
Coral heads and seagrass beds can be a few inches below the waters surface.
Avoid damage to these important habitats and your boat.
- Pay close attention to the tide. Most boat groundings occur during low
tide.
- Use polarized glasses. Water color will indicate changes in depth.
- Carry and consult your NOAA navigational chart.
- Stay within marked channels.
- If you run aground, do not power off! Call for assistance, or wait for the
tide.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
This is not an official publication of lobster season rules and regulations.
For more information on lobstering, contact:
STATE REGULATIONS:
Florida Marine Patrol, 800-DIAL-FMP (342-5367)
Marathon Office, 305-289-2320, 800 ASK-FISH
FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
National Marine Fisheries Service, 813-570-5305 or 305-743-2437
John Pennekamp State Park, 305-451-1202
Everglades National Park, 305-242-7700
Key Largo Office, 305-852-5119
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