Florida residents get an extra day this summer to look for lobster off the Florida coast. July 14 was added to the lobster mini-season recently by the Florida Governor. The extra day gives Florida lobster lovers three days to dive before the regular season starts in August.
Extra Day Added to Lobster Mini Season
- Sunday, July 14 (Florida residents only)
- Wednesday, July 24
- Thursday, July 25
Make your plans early for the lobster mini-season. Resorts with water access in the Florida Keys, like Big Pine Key RV Park, book quickly. You can bring your travel trailer, rent an Airstream trailer, or opt for rustic camping. The waterfront RV resort offers resort-like amenities, a boat launch, docks, and access to the pristine Florida coastline.
There are special rules for the extra mini-season day.
- You must be a Florida resident to dive on Sunday, July 14.
- 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.
- Divers cannot possess lobsters in federal waters on July 14. Lobster harvesting is restricted to three miles from the Atlantic shore and nine miles on the Gulf Coast.
Rules and regulations for the normal lobster mini-season (July 24-25) remain unchanged. Don’t forget you’ll need a lobster permit. Divers are required to possess valid saltwater fishing licenses.
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 entertainment, and a lobster mini-season themed weekend.
Florida Lobster Season Opens in August
The lobster frenzy continues into August when recreational lobster season begins in the Florida Keys. Spiny lobster harvest opens to everyone starting August 6.
Reserve your charter boat 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 where you’ll find one of the biggest lobster celebrations.
Key West Lobsterfest 2024
Lobster season starts the first week of August, but the celebration kicks off on August 8 with Key West Lobsterfest.
It’s four days jam-packed with all things Lobster!
What exactly does this festival have to offer? Lobster in every way, from a boil, to a pub crawl, to a street fair and concert, and finally brunch. Check out all the details below.
- Thursday, August 8
- On day one of the festival, you’ll enjoy the lobster boil. This boil runs from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. It consists of fresh lobster, jumbo shrimp, red skin potatoes, andouille sausage, jalapeño cornbread, and melted herb butter. Get your tickets to this event before they sell out.
- Friday, August 9
- Day two of the festival consists of none other than a Lobsterfest pool party. Yep, get your swim on from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and then head over to the Pub Crawl on Duval Street, from 8:00 pm – 12:00 am. Tickets are required for the Pool Party and Pub Crawl on Duval Street.
- Saturday, August 10
- The fun hasn’t stopped! Day three of the festival offers a Street Fair with fresh lobster & a free concert on Duval Street from 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Lobster all day baby.
- Sunday, August 11
- We’ve come to the final day of Lobsterfest, don’t cry because it’s over- smile because it happened. Today is Lobster Brunch!
Book for the Season in the Florida Keys
The excitement of LobsterFest 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, 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.
