As a seafood lover living in Florida, I’m always eager to know when crab season begins. With our state surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, we have access to delicious crabs like blue crabs, stone crabs, and more. The exact crab season dates vary depending on the species, so it’s helpful to have a guide on when you can start harvesting different types of crab.
In this article, I’ll provide a breakdown of the crab seasons for the most popular species found in Florida. I’ll cover key details like peak harvest times, regulations, tips for maximizing your catch, and some tasty ways to prepare your fresh crab bounty. Read on for everything you need to know about planning your crabbing adventures in the Sunshine State.
Blue Crab Season in Florida
Blue crabs are one of the most sought-after varieties for recreational and commercial crabbers in Florida. Their sweet, delicate meat makes them a real treat. Here’s a look at when you can catch these feisty crustaceans:
- Season: Open year-round
- Peak Season: April – November, with the highest concentrations found in summer
- Prime Months: July, August, September
- Regulations: 10 gallon daily limit per person, minimum size limit of 5″
- Summer Closures: Variable regional trap closures to retrieve abandoned traps
The blue crab population is strongest during the warm summer months, making July through September the prime time to get out there. Be sure to check the current regulations for size limits, closed seasons, and gear requirements. Having the proper recreational crabbing license is also a must.
To maximize your success during peak crab season, target areas like coastal marshes, bays, and tidal creeks. Bait your traps with fresh fish or chicken. Pull your pots frequently, and focus on periods of high tide and rising barometer for best results.
Stone Crab Season in Florida
The meat of stone crabs is incredibly delicious and popular in Florida. Here are the key details for harvesting these crustaceans:
- Season: October 15 – May 15
- Peak Months: October – December
- Regulations: Daily bag limit, minimum claw size of 2 3/4″
- Gear: Traps only
Stone crab season begins October 15 and runs through May 15. October through December is peak season when stone crabs are most active and populate nearshore waters. There is a daily bag limit, and only the claws can be legally harvested. Crabbers should target hard bottom habitats near coral reefs and wrecks.
Florida Spiny Lobster Season
These cousins of the Maine lobster are a tasty treat found in Florida waters. Spiny lobster season goes as follows:
- Season: August 6 – March 31
- Peak Months: August – October
- Regulations: Possession limits, size restrictions, special gear rules
- Gear: Bully nets, hoop nets, diving
The spiny lobster season opens on August 6 each year. The peak harvest runs through October before activity starts declining. There are regulations for size limits possession limits and approved harvesting methods. Common techniques involve bully netting, hoop netting, and diving.
Target lobsters around shallow reefs, rocky bottoms, bridges, docks, and seawalls. Night diving offers a big advantage since lobsters are nocturnal. Use a bright dive light to pinpoint lobsters tucked into crevices.
When to Catch Other Florida Crabs
Beyond the major species, there are other tasty crab varieties that populate Florida waters seasonally:
-
Red crabs – Peak from March-May during their annual migration into shallower waters.
-
Calico crabs – Smallest crabs in Florida, best during summer months.
-
Fiddler crabs – Found year-round in intertidal mud flats and marsh areas.
Tips for Harvesting Florida Crabs
To maximize your crabbing success in Florida:
- Obtain proper licenses.
- Learn the regulations for size limits, possession limits, gear.
- Use fresh bait.
- Target structure where crabs congregate.
- Fish during peak seasonal times.
- Watch the tides and weather patterns.
Following the rules and fishing during prime times will help fill your traps and nets with delicious Florida crabs.
Ways to Prepare Your Florida Crab Catch
Blue crabs, stone crab claws, and spiny lobster are culinary delicacies. Here are some mouthwatering ways to prepare your fresh catch:
Blue Crabs
-
Crab cakes – Mix lump crab meat with bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings, then pan-fry into perfect crab cakes.
-
Soft shell crabs – Lightly coat in flour and pan fry, or stuff into tacos.
-
Crab boils – Boil whole crabs with potatoes, corn and sausage for a traditional crab feast.
Stone Crab Claws
-
Cracked crab claws – Enjoy them chilled with drawn butter or mustard sauce for dipping.
-
Claw salad – Pick meat and mix with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs in a salad.
-
Crab claw cocktails – Stuff picked claw meat into mini phyllo cups for an appetizer.
Spiny Lobster (and Other Florida Lobster Varieties)
-
Lobster rolls – The classic Northeast sandwich made even better with Florida lobster meat.
-
Lobster mac and cheese – Our favorite comfort food kicked up with chunks of lobster.
-
Lobster risotto – Creamy rice dish loaded with lobster tail meat.
As you can see, the crab and lobster bounty pulled from Florida’s waters offers amazing culinary potential. Get out there during peak season to haul in your own catch, then delight in preparing these mouthwatering recipes.
So now you know the key details for when crab season begins and ends for all the tasty varieties found in Florida. Arm yourself with the proper gear, follow the regulations, and get ready for some spectacular crabbing! Wishing you a successful, delicious season out on the water.
Check the regulations:
Do not forget to check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) regulations. These guidelines will inform you about the legal crabbing seasons, size limits, and the number of traps you can use. It’s essential to play by the rules to help conserve the crab population and ensure future Florida crab seasons.
When is crab season in Florida?
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to answer the big question: when is crab season in Florida? The good news is that you can satisfy your cravings quickly because the state’s crabbing season typically starts in October and runs through May.
However, it must be noted that Florida stone crab season is slightly different. These crabs can only be harvested for a limited time, usually from October 15 to May 1. Crabbers can catch these delectable crustaceans during this period and enjoy their mouthwatering meat.
BEFORE YOU GO CRABBING IN FLORIDA…WATCH THIS! Florida Blue Crab Regulations that may SURPRISE YOU!
FAQ
Are blue crabs in season in Florida now?
When is Blue Crab Season? Blue crabs in the Gulf exist during the seasonal period from late spring to early fall.Apr 23, 2025
What months can you crab in Florida?
Beloved for its delicate and sweet meat, these crustaceans dominate menus – and the local fishing industry – during stone crab season in Florida every October through May.
Is it stone crab season in Florida now?
If you’re visiting us hoping to enjoy our iconic Stone Crab (Florida Stone Crab May – October and Pacific Stone Crab June – September), please feel free to …
How do I catch a blue crab in Florida?
Florida Atlantic Blue Crab Trap/Pot Fishery Gear Regulations and Guidelines Click Southeast Blue Crab under Outreach Special regulations apply for traps and this species when in Biscayne National Park. Escape rings must be 2 3/8 inches or larger in diameter. Bait: Live male blue crabs only.
How do you go crabbing in Florida?
The deciding factor in how you go crabbing is deciding on a spot. Once you pick a type of spot where you want to crab, you can then choose your trap get crabbing! In Florida, you can find crabs in any of the following habitats: With these habitats, you can get an idea of where to find crabs in Florida.
When are blue crab traps closed in Florida?
Sept. 20 – Oct. 4 closed to traps in Gulf state waters beyond 3 miles and in federal waters. Special regulations apply for traps and this species when in Biscayne National Park. In an effort to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from Florida, the FWC has established regional blue crab trap closures.