It’s that time of year when divers hit the water and look for lobster off the Florida coast. July 29 marks the start of the 2026 lobster mini-season throughout the Florida Keys. The mini season gives lobster lovers a chance to dive into coastal waters before the regular season.
Lobster Mini Lobster Season Dates
- Wednesday, July 29
- Thursday, July 30
Make your plans early for the mini lobster season. Resorts with water access in the Florida Keys, like Big Pine Key RV Park, book quickly. You can bring your travel trailer, book a waterfront site for rustic tent camping, or rent an Airstream trailer or a vacation cottage.
The waterfront RV resort offers resort-like amenities, a boat launch, docks, and access to the pristine Florida coastline. It’s an ideal location for catching lobsters during your vacation.
There are special rules for the spiny lobster mini season:
- Bag limits do apply and vary depending on your location. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, the bag limit is six in Monroe County, where Big Pine Key RV Park is located.
- Possession limits are enforced on and off the water.
- Lobsters must be larger than 3 inches.
- Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County.
- A recreational saltwater fishing license and lobster permit are required.
Rules and regulations for the normal spiny lobster season (August 6 – March 31) remain unchanged. There are protected areas like Biscayne National Park where you can’t dive for lobster.
Don’t forget, during the regular season, you’ll need a lobster permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Secure an RV site or campsite early for these days when excitement reaches a fever pitch across the Florida Keys. Big Pine Key offers family-friendly activities, live music, and a lobster mini-season themed weekend.
Regular Florida Lobster Season Opens in August
The lobster frenzy continues into August when regular lobster season begins in the Florida Keys. Spiny lobster harvest opens to everyone starting August 6.
Reserve your charter boat for lobster fishing or book a dive guide before arriving at Big Pine Key RV Resort.
Guests at Big Pine Key are a short drive from Big Mangrove, Little Don Quixote Key, and No Name Key. Leave your RV site for the day and take a 45-minute trip to Key West.
Key West Lobsterfest 2026
Regulars who make their way to Key West for lobster season will be happy to know that the Key West Lobsterfest is back!
The beloved event returns bigger than ever after being canceled for the 2025 season.
For more than 20 years, Lobsterfest has been a can’t-miss celebration packed with all things lobster. This year, organizers are upping the ante with an expanded, five-day lineup of events.
From Wednesday, August 5, through Sunday, August 9, visitors can enjoy everything from giant lobster boils and pool parties to live music and lively pub crawls.
It’s an island-wide celebration where crustacean lovers can come together and kick off the start of lobster season in true Key West fashion.
Book for the Season in the Florida Keys
The excitement of lobster season can be overwhelming, and finding a place to stay can be equally exciting/stressful. But don’t worry about where you’re staying each night. Hook up the boat and bring the family to Big Pine Key RV Park.
Tap the photos above to expand the Big Pine Key RV Park gallery.
It’s the perfect blend of beachside camping for the lobster divers in your family. Plus, it offers top-rated amenities for anyone looking to stay on land. Big Pine Key guests enjoy live entertainment, activities, a heated pool, billiards, shuffleboard, and much more!
Book your stay and bring your appetite for a wonderful lobster season in the Florida Keys.