A man from North Carolina was taken into custody on Saturday near Sunshine Key in the Florida Keys after being caught with four undersized spiny lobsters, which violated state regulations.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office reported that marine unit officer Luis Guiardinu was patrolling the waters around 2:14 p.m. when he noticed several individuals harvesting lobsters.
Upon inspecting the group, Officer Guiardinu identified Joe Lopez, a 37-year-old resident from Raleigh, North Carolina, as the violator.
Lopez was immediately arrested and transported to the jail.
Florida law requires that during the regular recreational and commercial spiny lobster season—running from August 6 to March 31—the carapace of the lobster must exceed three inches (7.62 centimeters) to be legally retained.
This measurement, excluding the tail, must be conducted while the lobster is still in the water.
In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the daily recreational catch limit is six lobsters per person, compared to 12 allowed in the rest of the state.
The law also forbids the use of spears or spear guns to capture lobsters, removing tails underwater, and utilizing tools that puncture or crush the carapace.
Lopez's arrest comes amid active enforcement by county authorities and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to ensure compliance with fishing regulations.
The Florida Keys are a premier destination for recreational spiny lobster diving, attracting thousands of visitors each season, along with violators.
Such arrests are not uncommon in the area. In August 2025, a man was detained in the Keys with 53 lobsters before the official start of the season, and weeks earlier, another case of illegal fishing resulted in several arrests for capturing lobsters out of season and without adhering to diving regulations.
Authorities publicize these cases as a deterrent to those considering ignoring the regulations.
Individuals wishing to report wildlife conservation violations can contact the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 or report online via MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
FAQs on Lobster Regulations in Florida
What is the legal size for spiny lobsters in Florida?
During the regular season, the lobster's carapace must measure over three inches (7.62 centimeters) to be legally harvested.
How many lobsters can one person legally catch in the Florida Keys?
In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the limit is six lobsters per person per day during the season.
What are the penalties for violating lobster regulations in Florida?
Penalties can include fines, arrest, and seizure of equipment used in the violation.