![](https://gulfcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/Spiny-Lobster.png)
Scientific Name
Panulirus argus
Common Name
Rock lobster
Stock Status
Overfishing – No
Overfished – Unknown
Recreational Regulations
Federal Regulations
-
Open: January 01 – March 31
Closed: April 01 – July 23
Open: July 24 – July 25
Closed: July 26 – August 05
Open: August 06 – March 31
Closed: April 01 – December 31
- 6 Bag Limit
- Minimum Size: 3 in Carapace Length
Notes:
Divers must measure carapace while in water. Undersized lobster must be released unharmed immediately without removal from water.
Removal of tail at sea is prohibited without permit. No taking of berried (eggbearing) spiny lobster or slipper lobster.
No spears, hooks, or piercing devices. Explosives prohibited. For more information, see GulfCouncil.org
For info about lobster regulations off Florida, see Florida Spiny Lobster Regs.
To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
![Lobster Measurements 1](https://gulfcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/Lobster_Measurements-1.jpg)
Commercial Regulations
Harvest Limits
Sector | Annual Catch Limit | Annual Catch Target |
Stock | 9,600,000 pounds | 8,640,000 pounds |