Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-24.004 - Bag Limit

(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4), the harvest from state waters, or possession while on or below such water, of more than 6 spiny lobster per recreational harvester per day, is prohibited.

(2)

(a) Except in Monroe County and in Biscayne National Park, during the first day of the two-day sport season specified in Rule 68B-24.005, F.A.C., no recreational harvester shall harvest more than 12 spiny lobster, or possess more than 12 spiny lobster, whether on or off the waters of the state. During the second day of the two-day sport season, no recreational harvester shall harvest or possess while in or on state waters more than 12 spiny lobster, or possess more than 24 spiny lobster once such harvester has landed and departed the state waters.

(b) In Monroe County and in Biscayne National Park, during the first day of the two-day sport season specified in Rule 68B-24.005, F.A.C., no recreational harvester shall harvest more than 6 spiny lobster, or possess more than 6 spiny lobster, whether on or off the waters of the state. During the second day of the two-day sport season, no recreational harvester shall harvest or possess while in or on the waters of Monroe County or Biscayne National Park more than 6 spiny lobster, or possess more than 12 spiny lobster in said county or in said park once such harvester has landed and departed those waters. Pursuant to Rule 68B-24.0065, F.A.C., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Monroe County is closed to spiny lobster harvest during the two-day sport season.

(3) Special Recreational Crawfish (Spiny Lobster) Bag Limit - No person who possesses a valid special recreational crawfish license issued by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pursuant to Rule 68B-24.0035, F.A.C., shall harvest in any one day during the regular season specified in subsection 68B-24.005(1), F.A.C., more spiny lobster than the amounts specified below for the respective fishing seasons; provided, however, when one or more persons possessing a valid special recreational crawfish license are aboard a single vessel in or on state waters, together with any number of regular recreational harvesters, no more than the specified amount of spiny lobster for the applicable fishing season shall be possessed aboard such vessel. The specified bag limit is not applicable during the 2-day sport season established in subsection (2).

(a) 2003-2004 - 50.

(b) 2004-2005 - 45.

(c) 2005-2006 - 40.

(d) 2006-2007 - 35.

(e) 2007-2008 - 30.

(f) 2008-2009 - 25.

(g) 2009-2010 - 20.

(h) 2010-2011 - 15.

(i) 2011-2012 - 10.

(j) Beginning with the 2012-2013 season and for each season thereafter, all recreational harvesters shall be subject to the bag limit specified in subsection (1).

(4) No person shall harvest or possess, while on or below the water, more spiny lobster than the limit established in subsection (1), unless such person:

(a) Is engaged in the lawful importation of spiny lobster pursuant to Rule 68B-24.0045, F.A.C.;

(b) Is a commercial harvester as defined in subsection 68B-24.002(4), F.A.C.;

(c) Until March 31, 2012, possesses a current valid special recreational crawfish license issued by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pursuant to Section 379.355, F.S.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-24.004

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

New 7-2-87, Amended 7-2-90, 7-1-92, 6-1-94, 10-4-95, Formerly 46-24.004, Amended 7-9-02, 7-7-03, 3-1-05.

New 7-2-87, Amended 7-2-90, 7-1-92, 6-1-94, 10-4-95, Formerly 46-24.004, Amended 7-9-02, 7-7-03, 3-1-05.