Divers hit the water this summer to look for lobster off the Florida coast. July 30 marks the start of lobster mini-season throughout the Florida Keys. The mini season gives lobster lovers a chance to dive coastal waters before the regular season.
Lobster Mini Lobster Season Dates
- Wednesday, July 30
- Thursday, July 31
Make your plans early for the mini lobster season. Resorts with water access in the Florida Keys, like Big Pine Key RV Park, book quickly. You can bring your travel trailer, book a waterfront site for rustic tent camping, or rent an Airstream trailer or a vacation cottage.
The waterfront RV resort offers resort-like amenities, a boat launch, docks, and access to the pristine Florida coastline. It’s an ideal location for catching lobsters during your vacation.
There are special rules for the spiny lobster mini season:
- Bag limits do apply and vary depending on your location. The bag limit is six in Monroe County where Big Pine Key RV Park is located.
- Possession limits are enforced on and off the water.
- Lobsters must be larger than 3 inches.
- Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County.
- A recreational saltwater fishing license and lobster permit are required.
Rules and regulations for the normal spiny lobster season (August 6 – March 31) remain unchanged. There are protected areas like Biscayne National Park where you can’t dive for lobster.
Don’t forget you’ll need a Florida Fish and Wildlife lobster permit during the regular season, too.
Secure an RV site or campsite early for these days when excitement reaches a fever pitch across the Florida Keys. Big Pine Key offers family-friendly activities, live music, and a lobster mini-season themed weekend.
Regular Florida Lobster Season Opens in August
The lobster frenzy continues into August when regular lobster season begins in the Florida Keys. Spiny lobster harvest opens to everyone starting August 6.
Reserve your charter boat for lobster fishing or book a dive guide before arriving at Big Pine Key RV Resort.
Guests at Big Pine Key are a short drive from Big Mangrove, Little Don Quixote Key, and No Name Key. Leave your RV site for the day and take a 45-minute trip to Key West.
Key West Lobsterfest 2025 Cancelled
Regulars who drive to Key West for lobster season in 2025 will notice some changes.
Organizers cancelled Key West Lobsterfest for the 2025 season. Lobster catching is still happening throughout Key West waters. However, the Key West festival celebrating the season has been put on hiatus.
Organizers made the decision earlier in the year, writing:
“After careful and thorough consideration, we have concluded that we are unable to produce the event to the standards our community and attendees have come to expect.
We had hoped to successfully navigate the challenges presented by a change in sponsorship and the associated logistical complexities.”
For 20+ years, Key West Lobsterfest provided four days jam-packed with all things Lobster! Visitors came to expect everything from giant lobster boils, pool parties, music, and pub crawls.
Book for the Season in the Florida Keys
The excitement of lobster season can be overwhelming, and finding a place to stay can be equally exciting/stressful. But don’t worry about where you’re staying each night. Hook up the boat and bring the family to Big Pine Key RV Park.
It’s the perfect blend of beachside camping for the lobster divers in your family. Plus, it offers top-rated amenities for anyone looking to stay on land. Big Pine Key guests enjoy live entertainment, activities, a heated pool, billiards, shuffleboard, and much more!
Book your stay and bring your appetite for a wonderful lobster season in the Florida Keys.