Warm turquoise water, days spent on the boat, and the thrill of spotting a Florida spiny lobster tucked beneath a ledge—lobster season in the Florida Keys is one of the most anticipated times of year for visitors and locals alike.
And in 2026, the excitement is about to begin.
The Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season 2026 takes place Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, giving recreational lobster hunters two days to get an early start before the regular Florida spiny lobster season opens on August 6. The regular season then continues through March 31, 2027.
If you're searching for where to stay for Lobster Mini Season in the Florida Keys, Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key puts you exactly where you want to be: on the waterfront in the Lower Keys, with boat slips, boat and trailer accommodations, an on-site ramp, and even private lobstering charters departing right from the resort.
When Is Florida Lobster Mini Season 2026?
Mark your calendar now.
Florida Lobster Mini Season 2026 dates:
July 29–30, 2026
Also known as the recreational sport season, Florida lobster mini season occurs on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year. It is open to Florida residents and visitors alike, provided participants follow current licensing and harvest requirements.
Then comes the main event:
Regular Florida Lobster Season 2026–2027:
August 6, 2026–March 31, 2027
That means Mini Season is only the beginning. If you can't make the July dates—or simply want more opportunities to go lobster diving in the Florida Keys—there are nearly eight months of regular season ahead.
Why Lobster Season in the Florida Keys Is Such a Big Deal
Florida's warm waters are home to the Caribbean spiny lobster, a species that looks a little different from the clawed lobsters many travelers associate with New England.
Instead of large claws, spiny lobsters are known for their long antennae and armored shells. Finding them often means snorkeling or diving around rocky ledges, reefs, coral structures, and other underwater habitat where they like to hide.
Part treasure hunt, part underwater adventure, lobstering in the Florida Keys has become a beloved summer tradition.
The Lower Keys are particularly appealing for travelers who want the full experience. Around Little Torch Key, Big Pine Key, and the surrounding islands, days revolve around the water. Boating, snorkeling, diving, fishing, sandbar trips, and fresh seafood are simply part of life here.
At Parmer's Resort, you can make the water the center of your entire getaway.
Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season Rules to Know Before You Go
Before heading out for Florida Lobster Mini Season 2026, familiarize yourself with the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations.
In Monroe County, which includes the Florida Keys, recreational harvesters may take up to six spiny lobsters per person, per day during Mini Season. Lobsters must have a carapace longer than three inches, and they must be measured while still in the water. Harvesters are required to carry an appropriate measuring device.
A few other important rules include:
- A valid Florida saltwater fishing license and spiny lobster permit are generally required unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Egg-bearing lobsters cannot be harvested.
- Lobsters must be landed whole in state waters.
- Gear that punctures, penetrates, crushes, or otherwise damages the lobster is prohibited.
- Recreational lobster trapping is prohibited.
- Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during the two-day sport season.
- Lobster harvesting is prohibited in designated no-take and protected areas, including certain areas within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Divers and boaters also need to follow Florida's divers-down flag requirements. During Mini Season, increased boat and dive traffic makes situational awareness especially important.
Regulations can change, so always check current FWC and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary guidance before entering the water.
What Do You Need for Lobster Mini Season?
If you're planning your first Florida Keys lobstering trip, preparation can make a major difference.
Your lobster-season gear may include a mask, snorkel, fins, measuring gauge, tickle stick, net, gloves, dive flag and a suitable catch bag. Scuba divers will, of course, need the appropriate dive equipment and certifications.
Just as important is knowing where harvesting is permitted and understanding how to identify a legal lobster before attempting to take it.
First timer? This is one situation where going with someone who knows the local waters can be invaluable.
Go Lobstering With a Local Guide Right From Parmer's Resort
You don't necessarily have to bring your own boat—or figure everything out on your own—to experience lobster season in the Lower Florida Keys.
Parmer's Resort partners with Livin' the Dream Charters, offering private adventures that depart directly from the resort's marina. Their experiences include a dedicated Florida Keys lobstering charter, with an experienced crew helping guests explore the surrounding waters and learn the art of lobstering.
It's an especially attractive option for travelers searching for a lobster charter in the Florida Keys or visitors who would rather explore with guides who have extensive experience in local waters.
And if your group wants to mix things up, Livin' the Dream also offers snorkeling, fishing, spearfishing, eco-tours, sandbar excursions and other private boating adventures.
Bringing Your Own Boat for Florida Keys Lobster Season?
Even better.
Parmer's Resort is especially well suited for a Florida Keys boating vacation during lobster season.
Located between a protected canal and Pine Channel on Little Torch Key, the resort has 20 boat slips, with options accommodating boats up to approximately 26–27 feet depending on the location of the slip. Parmer's also has an on-site boat ramp for vessels up to 23 feet and dedicated parking that can accommodate boat trailers.
Need a larger launch? A public boat ramp on State Road 4A is about a 10-minute drive away.
Most importantly for anyone planning around Lobster Mini Season, Parmer's specifically requires advance reservations for trailers during Mini Season and the beginning of regular lobster season—so planning early is important.
Wake up, grab your gear, walk to the dock, and start your day on the water without having to make your lobstering adventure a complicated logistical exercise.
From Catch to Cookout
Catching a legal spiny lobster is only half the fun.
After a day on the water, bring the Keys experience back to the resort. Parmer's offers guest BBQ facilities, making it easy to turn a successful day into a laid-back island cookout.
Grill your fresh catch, settle in under the palms, and trade stories about who spotted the biggest lobster of the day.
And when you aren't lobstering, there is plenty of room to slow down.
Parmer's Resort stretches across five waterfront acres and features a 90-foot private beach, heated outdoor pool, hammocks, kayaks and paddleboards, along with cottages, suites, studios, and rooms for everything from couples' escapes to family and group trips.
It's the kind of Florida Keys getaway where your days can be as adventurous—or as relaxed—as you want.
Why Stay on Little Torch Key for Lobster Season?
Location matters when planning a Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season vacation.
Little Torch Key places you in the heart of the Lower Keys, surrounded by the waterways, reefs, islands, and backcountry that make this part of Florida such an appealing destination for boaters and divers.
Parmer's Resort is also close to iconic Lower Keys destinations like Bahia Honda State Park and Looe Key Reef, while Key West is less than 30 miles away.
That makes it easy to turn a lobster trip into a complete Florida Keys vacation.
Spend one day chasing spiny lobster, another snorkeling or fishing, then head south for dinner and sunset in Key West before returning to the quieter waterfront atmosphere of Little Torch Key.
Make Parmer's Resort Your Florida Keys Lobster Season Home Base
Whether you've been counting down to Florida Lobster Mini Season 2026 for months or you're planning your first-ever lobstering adventure, where you stay can make the trip dramatically easier.
At Parmer's Resort, you'll find the waterfront access boaters want, the island atmosphere vacationers crave, and the amenities that make a multi-day lobstering getaway feel effortless.
Bring your own boat. Reserve a slip. Book a private lobstering charter. Hit the water early. Then come back to the pool, beach, hammocks, and grills when the day's adventure is done.
With Mini Season approaching July 29–30 and the regular Florida Keys lobster season beginning August 6, now is the time to get your crew together, check your gear, reserve your boat accommodations, and plan your stay.
Because in the Florida Keys, some of the best vacation memories aren't found on land—they're hiding beneath the surface.
Florida Keys Lobster Season 2026 FAQs
When is Lobster Mini Season in the Florida Keys in 2026?
The 2026 Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season takes place Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, 2026.
When does regular lobster season start in Florida?
The regular Florida spiny lobster season begins August 6, 2026 and runs through March 31, 2027.
What is the lobster limit in the Florida Keys?
During Mini Season, the recreational bag limit in Monroe County is six spiny lobsters per person per day for properly licensed or exempt individuals who are actively harvesting.
Do I need a lobster license in Florida?
Unless exempt, recreational harvesters need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license plus a spiny lobster permit when taking or attempting to take lobster.
Can you go lobster diving at night during Florida Keys Mini Season?
No. Night diving is prohibited throughout Monroe County during the two-day recreational sport season.
Where should I stay for Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season?
Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key is ideally set up for a lobstering getaway thanks to its waterfront location, on-site boat slips and boat ramp, trailer accommodations, guest grills, and private lobstering charters through Livin' the Dream Charters.
