FAQs / Season Checklists

FAQs / Season Checklists

Quick reminders and checklists for Florida Keys boaters, anglers, and recreational harvesters.

GEARXO provides practical tools and resources to help you prepare before heading out. Regulations, weather, and local conditions can change, so always verify current rules with official sources before harvesting or boating.

Quick FAQs

Do I need to check regulations every trip?

Yes. Fishing and harvesting rules can change by species, season, size, bag limit, gear type, area, and whether you are in state or federal waters. Always verify current rules before heading out.

Where should I verify Florida fishing and harvesting rules?

Use the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as your official source for state regulations. For federal waters, check NOAA Fisheries and any applicable federal regulations.

Do I need a lobster gauge?

If you are harvesting Florida spiny lobster, you should carry and use a proper measuring device. Lobster must be measured in the water, and the carapace must be larger than 3 inches.

Shop Lobster Gauges

Do stone crab traps need to be marked?

Yes. Recreational stone crab traps must be properly marked with required owner and registration information. Always review current FWC trap marking and registration requirements before setting traps.

Shop Stone Crab Trap Tags

Is the Marine Briefing a substitute for official regulations?

No. GEARXO's Marine Briefing and Resources pages are practical references. They are not a substitute for official FWC, NOAA, National Hurricane Center, or local safety information.

Lobster Season Checklist

Before a lobster trip, check:

  • Current FWC lobster season dates
  • Sport season vs. regular season rules
  • License and lobster permit requirements
  • Bag and possession limits for your location
  • Measuring requirements
  • Legal harvest areas
  • Dive flag requirements
  • Weather, tide, and current conditions
  • Safety gear and communication plan
  • Lobster gauge

Related resource: Lobster Harvesting Requirements

Stone Crab Season Checklist

Before stone crab season, check:

  • Current FWC stone crab season dates
  • Recreational trap registration requirements
  • Trap marking requirements
  • Claw measurement rules
  • Bag limits
  • Trap construction and buoy requirements
  • Weather and marine conditions
  • Pickup/order deadlines for trap tags
  • Stone crab trap tags

Related resource: Stone Crab Harvesting Requirements

Fishing & Boating Checklist

Before heading out, check:

  • Marine weather forecast
  • Tide and current conditions
  • Tropical weather outlook during hurricane season
  • Vessel safety equipment
  • Fuel and return plan
  • Navigation lights
  • Anchor and line
  • Fishing license and permits
  • Species-specific regulations
  • State vs. federal waters
  • Long-term anchoring requirements if applicable

Related resource: Fishing & Boating Resources

GEARXO Gear Checklist

Depending on your trip, consider:

  • Lobster gauge
  • Stone crab trap tags
  • Measuring tools
  • Sun-protective apparel
  • Hat or sun hoodie
  • Dry storage
  • Cooler
  • Gloves
  • Safety gear
  • Printed or saved regulation links

Official Resources

GEARXO Reminder

GEARXO designs marine tools and resources for real Florida Keys conditions: sun, salt, heat, wet decks, dock boxes, ramps, reefs, current, and long days on the water.

Use these checklists as a starting point, then confirm current regulations, weather, and safety requirements through official sources before every trip.

Related Resources