Happy Mini-Season Eve! Well, sorta… it starts at 12:01 a.m. July 30 and wraps up at midnight on July 31. That’s today, so consider this your final boarding call! Grab your gear, and do it right.
Here’s the deal; every July, the Florida Keys turn into a lobster-loving circus. It’s called Mini Season… two days when recreational divers get a head start on spiny lobster season. And if you’re a local, chances are you either brace for it, profit from it, or both.
Every year we prepare for the annual invasion of voracious tourists who don’t always know the rules. Yes, we appreciate the boost to our local economy. Hotels stay full, restaurants stay busy, and charter boats stay booked. But we also see the flip and oh-not-so-good side; boats flying through no-wake zones, divers trampling on coral, and plenty of folks who didn’t read a single rule before jumping in.
That’s our love‑hate thing… But we do love snapping fresh lobster tails for dinner! (by we I mean my husband and my family, I’m allergic to shellfish LOL).
Why We Still Love Mini Season (Mostly)
Mini Season brings out the best and worst of Florida Keys energy. (In my opinion!) You’ll see chaos at the boat ramps and bumper-to-bumper trailers, but you’ll also see locals grilling fresh tails at sunset, dive buddies having a beer when back on the dock, and the buzz of island life in full swing. *Mainly because we ran our errands and got our groceries before the madness started and now we can stay home!
So, it has been said before and we will say again: when you come here next year, and before you grab your net and head to the reef, here’s what you need to know (and what we wish more people actually followed):
Rules of the Reef (Don’t Skip These)
- License required. You need a Florida Saltwater Fishing License and a Lobster Permit.
- Limit is 6 per person, per day in Monroe County. No, that doesn’t mean 6 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon, stop being so greedy.
- Size matters. The carapace must be over 3 inches. Measure it underwater with a legal gauge. If you don’t know what this means, google it.
- Know your zones. No lobstering in John Pennekamp, Dry Tortugas, or any protected sanctuary zones. When in doubt, ask FWC!
- No night diving in Monroe County during mini season. Bully netting only after dark.
- Display a dive flag. Boaters must stay at least 300 feet away in open water.
Enforcement is real. People were cited this year before the season even opened. Don’t make a costly mistake. Again, don’t be greedy!
All jokes aside… It’s a little wild, a little frustrating, and somehow still so much fun. So simply follow the rules, respect the water, and don’t forget, we’re all guests out there.
Alright, I’m out. I’m on island time, baby!
PS: Thanks for reading us! mcm.
