Egg-bearing (berried) spiny lobster and ridged slipper lobster (commonly known as shovelhead or bulldozer lobster) must be released unharmed. Stripping egg bearing females of eggs, and possession of spiny lobster tails from which eggs have been removed is prohibited. Eggs are orange, yellow brown or red mass found covering the underside of the lobster’s tail.
- Spiny lobster must have a minimum caraspace length greater than 3 inches and the measurement must take place in the water. The caraspace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding soft tissue and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the caraspace. All recreationally harvested lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea.
- The federal bag limit cannot be combined with the state bag limit
- Gear such as spears, hooks, wire snares and any device that could puncture, penetrate or crush the shell of the lobster is prohibited. It is illegal to spearfish lobster
- Bully-netting is defined as using a circular frame attached at a right angle to the end of a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing. Possession of bully net is prohibited in Everglades National Park.
- Hoop-netting is defined as using a frame, circular or otherwise, supporting a shallow bag of webbing and suspended by a line and bridles. Possession of hoop nets is prohibited in Everglades National Park.
- Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license with current lobster stamp. They can be purchased online at www.license.myfwc.com or by calling 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356). The stamps cost $5, so, no excuses.
- It is a felony to molest, damage or take lobster from commercial traps in state or federal waters.
- A diver-down flag must be prominently displayed when divers and snorkelers are in the water
- It is illegal to create “artificial habitat” — cement blocks pipes and other debris intentionally placed on the ocean floor to lur spiny lobsters that seek the protection, cover and habitat.
