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Florida blue crab rules: limits, traps and registration

As of / last verified: October 14, 2026 against official sources · Source: FWC: Blue Crab regulations, trap specs & closures

Blue crab limit in Florida: 10 gallons of whole blue crabs per harvester per day, with no size limit and no egg-bearing crabs. You may fish up to 5 traps, and anglers 16 and older, including license-exempt people, need the free recreational blue crab trap registration, renewed every year. Crab snares are not legal gear.

Quick answer

Status: Open year-round (trap closures apply in some areas and dates)
Size: No size limit; no egg-bearing crabs
Bag limit: 10 gallons whole per harvester per day
Permits: Free recreational blue crab trap registration (16+, including license-exempt), renewed annually; saltwater license unless exempt
Traps: Max 5 per person

Blue crab rules at a glance

Rule	Detail
Bag	10 gallons whole per harvester per day
Size	None
Legal gear	Blue crab trap (max 5), dip/landing net, drop net, fold-up trap, hook and line, push scrape, trotline
Illegal gear	Crab snares
Trap throat	No larger than 2 in high × 6 in wide at narrowest point, rigid material (or approved bycatch reduction device)
Trap max size	2×2×2 ft (8 cu ft); mesh ≥ 1½ in
Escape rings	At least 3, ≥ 2⅜ in diameter
Degradable panel	Larger than 3 × 6 in
Buoy	≥ 6 in, marked with an "R" ≥ 2 in tall
Trap location	Not in marked navigation channels; no trap harvest beyond state waters

Regional trap closures

FWC uses short regional closures to find and remove lost traps. Even years (east coast): St. Johns River system, Jan 16–25. Georgia line through Volusia County (excluding the St. Johns), Aug 20–29. Brevard through Palm Beach counties, Aug 10–19. Odd years (west coast): Franklin County to the Alabama line (excluding the Ochlockonee), Jan 5–14. Broward through Pasco counties, Jul 10–19. Hernando through Wakulla counties, Jul 20–29. Traps attached to private property such as a dock are not included.

Don't get ticketed: checklist

Register traps every year and mark each with your "B" number, name and address.
Max 5 traps; only your own.
Throat must meet the 2" × 6" rule (in force since March 1, 2023) to protect diamondback terrapins.
Pull by hand, in daylight only.
Release egg-bearing females.
Check regional trap closures before setting traps.

Permit steps

Log in to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Add the "Recreational Blue Crab Trap Registration" (no cost).
Mark your B-number, full name and address permanently on each trap.
Renew each year (your number does not change).

Frequently asked questions

What is the blue crab limit in Florida?

10 gallons of whole blue crabs per harvester per day. There is no size limit, and egg-bearing crabs may not be harvested.

Do I need to register blue crab traps?

Yes. Anglers 16 and older, including those normally license-exempt, must complete the free recreational blue crab trap registration. The number starts with "B" and must be on every trap with your name and address. Register annually; the number stays the same.

How many blue crab traps can I use?

Up to 5 per person, registered to you.

Can I keep female blue crabs?

Yes, if they are not carrying eggs. FWC encourages releasing females as a conservation practice.

Are crab snares legal in Florida?

No. FWC says crab snares are not legal gear for blue crabs.

Are there blue crab trap closures?

Yes. Regional trap closures of up to 10 days alternate coasts each year, east coast in even years and west coast in odd years. Gulf state waters beyond 3 miles and federal waters are closed to traps September 20 to October 4. Dip nets and fold-up traps are still allowed during regional closures.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

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Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.