KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Florida's two day sport lobster season starts next week.
Participants must have a recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit to recreationally harvest unless they are exempt from recreational license requirements. The regular commercial and recreational lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2020.
Only six lobsters are allowed per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, however 12 per person for the rest of Florida.
Florida wildlife officials have details on bag limits, size limits, where to harvest and other regulations on their website.
Wildlife officials are asking harvesters using bully netting to keep lights directed toward the water and avoid shining them at houses or people along the shoreline.
The Monroe County Sheriff's office will have extra patrols at boat ramps, bridges and on the water and warned that anyone caught with illegal lobster will be charged accordingly. Penalties can include up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.
