The Quick Catch The 2026 Florida stone crab season is officially open, bringing prime coastal action for everyone dropping traps across our flats and bays. Make sure your gear and regs are dialed in before you hit the water this weekend.
The Summary The Florida stone crab recreational season runs statewide from October 15 through May 1. Harvesters are limited to a daily bag limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less, with a strict minimum claw size limit of 2 7/8 inches measured from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable finger. Only claws may be harvested, and taking claws from egg-bearing females is strictly prohibited. Recreational fishers age 16 and older must complete a no-cost online trap registration via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to receive a unique "S" registration number, which must be permanently and legibly affixed to each trap alongside the owner's name and address. Anglers are restricted to a maximum of 5 traps per person, which must be pulled manually during daylight hours without the use of mechanical trap pullers.
The Pyr Take For those of us who spend our autumns bouncing between chasing redfish on the flats and dropping lines around dock pilings and structure, the opening of stone crab season marks a premier milestone in the coastal calendar. There's nothing quite like the rhythm of running a few recreational traps early in the morning before the tide shifts, mixing up the pace between rod-and-reel angling and filling the cooler for a backyard boil. It’s a tradition deeply woven into the fabric of coastal life, demanding respect for the resource and attention to detail.
Staying legal out on the water means treating your setup with the same precision you bring to tournament prep or hunting season. FWC enforcement is active, and checking your measurements, ensuring your escape rings and degradable panels are up to spec, and keeping your gear clearly marked isn't just about avoiding a citation—it’s about protecting a legendary fishery for generations of sportsmen to come. Do it right, respect the limits, and enjoy the harvest.
Gear & Apparel Note Pulling traps and running the boat in crisp autumn air demands gear built to handle the elements. Stay protected from the sun and spray while keeping it rugged on the water with our heavy-duty performance hoodies and lightweight UPF sun shirts.
Don't forget to gear up your setup with our custom printed stone crab trap tags—built durable and fully customized to keep your gear legal and squared away all season long.
Original report published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
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