Coast Guard, FWC prepares for lobster mini season 2026

Coast Guard, FWC prepares for lobster mini season 2026

This is an infographic describing Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's requirements to keep a lobster during the mini season, July 23, 2026, Miami, Florida. The Coast Guard and FWC are ramping up safety inspections and fishery boardings during the 2026 Lobster Mini Season, July 29- 30, along the Florida coast. (Courtesy Graphic)

KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are ramping up safety inspections and fishery boardings during the 2026 Lobster Mini Season, July 29- 30, along the Florida coast.

Coast Guard and FWC officers will be patrolling coastal waters, conducting boardings to enforce the state and federal fishery laws and safety regulations. Boaters are reminded to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for regulations related to spiny lobster harvesting.

“Lobster Mini Season is a popular event – boaters should be prepared and make it as safe as possible,” said Scott Szczepaniak, the Coast Guard Southeast District recreational boating program specialist. It is so important that boaters keep a proper lookout and maintain good situational awareness. When in doubt – slow down! One of the more common ways we’ve seen people get hurt is a result of running into other boats, into things like bridge or the bottom.”

The Coast Guard encourages boaters participating in Lobster Mini Season to:

• Ensure that engines are completely turned off if divers or swimmers are in the water.
• Check all navigation lights prior to launching.
• Don’t overload your boat. Check the capacity plate for the maximum number of people; and the maximum weight of people, gear, fuel and the motor itself. Do not exceed whichever is less.
• Ensure that chart plotters, depth finders and other marine electronics are properly dimmed for low light viewing in order to preserve night vision.
• Wear your life jacket (aka Personal Floatation Device – PFD) year-round for all boating activities. Consider the use of inflatable PFDs in Florida’s hot climate.
• While underway, ensure your engine cutoff switch (aka kill switch) link is attached.
• Boat sober! The marine environment accelerates the effects of alcohol.

Any press inquiries can be directed to Mr. Scott Szczepaniak, the Coast Guard Southeast District Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, at Scott.J.Szczepaniak@uscg.mil or 843-327-9655.

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