🦞 Florida Lobster Season FAQ – From Florida Keys Villas in Marathon, FL

Plan your Mini Season adventure right from Sombrero Beach with everything you need to know.

📅 What days are Mini Lobster Season in Florida and the Florida Keys?

Mini Lobster Season in the Florida Keys always takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. In 2025, Mini Season will fall on July 30 and 31. It begins at 12:01 AM Wednesday and ends at midnight Thursday. Always verify official dates and regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before you dive in!

Mini Lobster season in 2026 is on July 29^th to July 30^th 2026. It begins at 12:01 AM Wednesday and ends at midnight Thursday. Always verify official dates and regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before you dive in!

At Florida Keys Villas, we host guests every year who book early for Mini Season and love staying in Marathon near Sombrero Beach, just minutes from the reefs.

⏳ How long is Mini Lobster Season?

It’s a two-day event, starting Wednesday at 12:01 AM and ending Thursday at midnight. That’s two full days of excitement, early-morning dives, and delicious fresh catch. Plan ahead and book your ideal waterfront vacation rental at FloridaKeysVillas.com — we fill up fast for Mini Season!

🧮 How old is a lobster?

Lobster age can be estimated by multiplying its weight by four and adding three. So a:

• 1 lb. lobster is about 7 years old
• 3 lb. lobster is around 15–20 years old
• 4.5 lb. lobster is estimated to be 21 years old
• 25 lb. lobster could be over 100 years old!

Respecting your catch is part of the Florida Keys tradition — and we share these stories in our guest guide and Keys Cookbook available at KeysCookbook.com.

🐣 What are 1 lb. lobsters called?

They’re affectionately called chickens or “chix” in seafood lingo. These younger lobsters are tender and often preferred for grilling or light dishes.

🎯 How do you catch a Florida lobster?

You’ll use a tickle stick and net. Here’s the simple method we teach our guests:

1. Find the lobster hiding in a hole or under a rock
2. Gently tap its tail with a tickle stick
3. Let it crawl out slowly, or tap its forehead to trigger a quick tail flip
4. Place your net behind the lobster and close it swiftly as it retreats
5. Measure it in the water before bagging it

We include a step-by-step version of this technique in your Florida Keys Villas welcome binder, and even more recipes and visuals in our Keys Cookbook.

✅ Best Safety Tips for Mini Lobster Season (and Regular Season Too)

🧷 1. Measure your lobster in the water

The carapace (hard shell part behind the eyes) must be over 3 inches. Use your lobster gauge before bagging.

🚩 2. Always fly a dive flag

It’s the law. Divers must stay within 300 feet of the flag in open water, or 100 feet in a channel.

🎣 3. Respect daily catch limits

You’re allowed six lobsters per person per day in Monroe County. Don’t exceed the limit — and no “double-dipping” with multiple trips.

⚠️ 4. Never touch traps

It’s illegal and strictly enforced. Recreational lobster traps are also prohibited.

🚤 5. Check your boat’s safety gear

Life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, horn — don’t leave the dock without them.

🐢 6. Stay idle near dive flags

Approaching another boat flying a dive flag? Slow down to idle speed to avoid dangerous prop wash.

🪸 7. Protect the coral

Avoid standing on coral or bumping it with fins or anchors. Healthy reefs mean healthy lobsters!

We provide these guidelines in every home at Florida Keys Villas so guests stay safe, legal, and reef-responsible.

🏡 Why Florida Keys Villas Is the Perfect Place to Stay for Mini Lobster Season

At Florida Keys Villas, we’ve built our vacation rentals with lobster season in mind. Located in Marathon near Sombrero Beach, our homes are perfect for groups up to 14 guests — with 5-bedroom and 7-bedroom options available. Here's what makes our villas stand out:

• ✅ Private deep-water boat dock (no tide worries — easy access 24/7)
• ✅ Outdoor kitchen & BBQ grill
• ✅ Bait freezer and ice machine
• ✅ Fish cleaning table and water + power at the dock
• ✅ Optional 27' Power Catamaran rental for guests only!
• ✅ Waterfront location just minutes from top lobstering spots

📍 Ready to book? Visit FloridaKeysVillas.com and lock in your Mini Lobster Season getaway before we’re full!