The two-day “sport” or “mini” season lets recreational snorkelers and divers harvest Florida spiny lobster a full week before commercial traps hit the water. In Key West, that window falls 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, through midnight Thursday, July 31, 2025. This two-day celebration lets recreational divers and snorkelers enjoy a head start on harvesting before commercial season opens August 6.
What Makes Key West Special for Mini Season
Food is half the fun when lobster season rolls around, and Key West’s “cook-your-catch” culture makes it effortless. Haul your legal tails to waterfront favorites like Hurricane Hole or Dante’s and the kitchen will grill, steam, or butter-poach them while you sip something cold and watch the boats glide past.
Even with the 2025 Lobsterfest on pause, the island buzz hasn’t faded. Locals organize impromptu beach boils, dive buddies host rooftop tail-feasts, and sandbar gatherings pop up at sunset. It’s proof that community spirit thrives whether Duval Street throws a block party or not.
Finally, remember that Key West’s shallow flats, patch-reef mazes, and busy channels reward local know-how. Booking a lobster charter in Key West means a captain who can time the tides, shortcut to hidden structure, and steer clear of no-dive zones so you can focus on filling the cooler.
Detailed Regulations & Best-Practice Reminders for a Hassle Free Mini Season
- Bag & Possession: You may possess only your daily limit while on a vessel or in the water; at midnight the quota resets. On July 31 you may have 12 lobsters ashore (the two-day total).
- Mandatory Measuring Device: Keep a metal gauge on your wrist or BC. Officers expect to see one in the water.
- Tail-in-One-Piece Rule: Never detach a tail at sea; whole lobsters must reach shore intact.
- Dive Flag & Idle Speed: Fly a 20 × 24-in. flag (28 × 36 in. from boats > 26 ft). All vessels must idle within 100 ft of a flag in channels or 300 ft in open water.
- 300-ft Shoreline Buffer: The “no-dive” halo around canals and marinas applies during both mini-season days and the first five days of regular season.
| Requirement | Monroe County (Key West) Rule |
|---|---|
| Daily bag limit | 6 lobsters per person on & off the water |
| Size | Carapace ≥ 3 in., measured underwater with a gauge |
| License | Florida saltwater fishing license plus spiny lobster permit |
| Night diving | Prohibited (1 hr after sunset → 1 hr before sunrise) |
| Shoreline buffer | No diving/snorkeling within 300 ft of any residential or commercial shoreline, canal, or marina |
| No-take zones | Dry Tortugas, Everglades NP, all SPAs & research zones in FKNMS, Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Sanctuary |
| Gear | Hand-held gear only (tickle stick, net, bully net); no spears, hooks, or traps |
More Tips from the Dive Key West Crew for a Great Mini Season in Key West
- Book early! Boat rentals, charters, dive‑boat slips, and even grocery stock fly off the shelves weeks in advance.
- Bring or rent gear: Dive flag, gauge, tickle stick, net, gloves. Many rental boats include these, but confirm ahead.
- Buddy up: Diving in pairs increases safety, and it’s more fun sharing the catch.
- Measure before hauling: Check carapace size underwater. Avoid fines for undersized lobsters.
- Reefs first: Use mooring buoys or drop anchor in sand. No touching or standing on coral.
- Abide by the laws: Violations (undersized lobsters, diving at night, anchor damage) can result in hefty fines and even felony charges.
What to Do in Key West Above the Water
After your dive, there’s no better way to unwind than cruising out to one of Key West’s hidden sandbars on a sandbar trip. These sun-soaked spots, accessible only by boat, offer the perfect backdrop for a post-dive hangout—crack open a cold drink, kick back with your crew, and soak in the island breeze.
Once you’ve cleaned your catch, head into town and treat yourself to a true Key West tradition: cook-your-catch dining. Many waterfront restaurants and bars along Duval Street will prepare your lobster just the way you like it. Try it grilled, butter-poached, or blackened, served up alongside tropical cocktails and unbeatable sunset views. Here are some of our favorite spots to eat:
- A & B Lobster House
- The Lobster Shack
- DJ’s Clam Shack
- Eaton Street Seafood Market
- Conch Republic Seafood Company
As evening settles in, make your way to Mallory Square. It’s a nightly celebration filled with street performers, local artisans, and sunset-loving visitors. Whether you’re reliving your dive adventure or just soaking in the island vibes, it’s the perfect place to wrap up a perfect day on (and in) the water.
Lobster Mini Season FAQs
When is the 2025 Key West lobster mini season?
It runs from 12:01 a.m. July 30 to midnight July 31, 2025, always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July.
What is the bag limit in Key West?
Six legal-size lobsters per person per day which is half the limit allowed north of Monroe County.
Do I need a special license?
Yes. Every harvester must carry both a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit, even when snorkeling.
Can I dive at night for lobster?
No. Night diving (one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise) is prohibited during the two-day sport season in Monroe County.
Where can I charter a lobster trip in Key West?
Captain Hook’s Dive Key West, Key West Lobster Charters, and Tailing Water Expeditions all run half- and full-day trips that supply gauges, nets, and local ledge knowledge.