Before you hit the waters, throw a line out there, or dive in, be sure to be up to speed on the rules and regulations of fishing the fabulous Florida Keys!
Noteworthy:
For those fishing in other parts of Florida: Florida’s recreational red snapper season just opened on June 17th and closes July 31st, 2022. This season applies to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. There are several dates in the fall months of October and November 2022, so be sure to check them out.
Florida’s recreational dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) bag limit changed on May 1st, 2022. The recreational bag limit was reduced from 10 to 5 fish per person in Atlantic state waters and the private recreational vessel limit was reduced from 60 to 30 fish per vessel in Atlantic state waters.
Spiny Lobster:
Sport Season a/k/a Mini-Season: July 27th-28th, 2022
Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park; 12 per person for rest of Florida
Important: Don’t forget your dive flag!
Possession limit on the water: equal to the daily bag limit
Possession limit off the water: equal to the daily bag limit on the first day and double the daily bag limit on the second day
Possession limits are enforced on and off the water.
Minimum Size Limit: Carapace must be larger than 3", measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times.
Night Diving: Prohibited in Monroe County (ONLY during sport season) Diving is defined as swimming at or below the surface of the water.
Harvest of lobster is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season and in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary, and in the five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park during both the 2-day sport season and regular season.
But first and foremost…do not forget the necessary license(s) required.
Recreational saltwater fishing license link: https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/
Be a smart boater, keep your distance from others fishing and diving. Be respectful of the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Please follow the rules and regulations that are put in place to keep our islands beautiful and full of life.
Tight lines, and remember to wear your sunscreen!