Florida Blue Crab Guidelines and Tips
Florida’s blue crab fishery is one of the most iconic and accessible forms of saltwater harvesting. Whether you’re catching dinner or stocking bait, it’s important to understand Florida’s current regulations, legal trap requirements, and best practices to ensure a safe, lawful, and productive crabbing experience.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from regulations and trap rules to crabbing tips, bait recommendations, trap placement, and frequently asked questions.
Florida Blue Crab Regulations (Recreational)
Daily Bag Limit
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No personal bag limit, but harvest must be for personal, non-commercial use.
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You may not exceed 5 traps per person.
Trap Requirements
All blue crab traps must follow Florida law:
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Maximum trap size: 2 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft
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Must be made of plastic or wire
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Must have an approved biodegradable detachment
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Must include a trap tag with:
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harvester’s name
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address
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or FWC-issued trap number
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Buoy Requirements
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Buoy must be marked with a legible "R" at least 2" tall at the top of the waterline.
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Recreational traps must have a buoy (unlike pinfish traps).
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Color is not regulated for recreational traps in Florida.
Closed Seasons
Florida has regional 10-day trap closures for blue crab. These occur to allow FWC to clean derelict traps.
Regions close at different times — typically between August and January.
Commercial Rules
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Requires a Saltwater Products License (SPL)
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Must have Blue Crab Endorsement
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Commercial buoy color markings
Heading 5
Allowed Gear:
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Blue crab traps (max 5)
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Dip nets
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Foldable crab traps
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Drop nets
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Hand collection
Not Allowed:
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Harvesting egg-bearing females
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Using traps in navigational channels
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Blocking public waterways
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Using unauthorized trap designs
Following safe and ethical crabbing practices helps sustain Florida’s fishery:
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Check traps every 24 hours
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Avoid shallow seagrass areas
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Use strong marine-grade traps
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Avoid placing traps near boat ramps
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Ensure your trap has a working escape ring/panel
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Use a buoy to prevent trap loss
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Label your trap clearly to avoid fines
Time of Day
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Around sunrise and sunset
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Nighttime yields higher activity near shore
Tides
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Incoming tide = high activity
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Crabs move into shallower feeding zones
Seasons
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Spring through early fall are peak
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Winter crabbing varies by region
Crabs are attracted to strong, oily, or fresh-smelling bait:
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Mullet
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Menhaden
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Chicken necks
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Fish carcasses
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Pinfish (dead or alive)
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Turkey necks
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Catfish heads
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Ladyfish
Tip: The oilier the bait, the better the draw.
Best locations:
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Creek mouths
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Mangrove edges
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Grass flats
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Bridges & piers (legal placement only)
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Inlets
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Lagoon systems
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Oyster bars
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Salt marsh edges
Avoid:
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Busy boating lanes
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Ultra-shallow flats
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High current areas
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Areas with heavy recreational traffic
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Exceeding the 5-trap limit
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Not tagging traps correctly
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Leaving traps unchecked for several days
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Using traps with no escape ring
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Setting traps in seagrass or shallow coral
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Harvesting egg-bearing females
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Placing traps in restricted or closed areas
How to Legally Catch Blue Crabs in Florida
Best Practices for Blue Crab Traps
When Is the Best Time to Catch Blue Crabs?
Best Baits for Blue Crab Trapping
Where to Place Blue Crab Traps in Florida
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Male vs. Female Blue Crab Identification
Male Blue Crabs ("Jimmies")
Appearance:
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Bright blue claws
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Narrow, pointed abdominal flap shaped like the Washington Monument
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Generally larger and heavier-bodied than females
Traits:
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Preferred for eating due to size and meat content
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Legal to harvest if not carrying eggs
Female Blue Crabs ("Sooks" and "Sallys")
Female blue crabs have two key stages:
Immature Female ("Sally")
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Red-tipped claws
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Triangular abdominal flap shaped like a bee hive
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Smaller overall size
Mature Female ("Sook")
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Red-tipped claws
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Wide, rounded abdominal flap shaped like a U.S. Capitol dome
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Can legally be kept unless carrying eggs
Egg-Bearing Females (Must Be Released)
Known as “spongers” or “berry crabs” because of the egg mass under the abdomen.
Identification:
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Bright orange, yellow, or brown sponge-like egg mass
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Located under the abdomen
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Illegal to harvest in Florida
Release them immediately and unharmed.
Fast Tip for Beginners
Look at the claws:
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Blue = male
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Red = female
Then look at the underside flap:
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Point = male
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Wide/round = female
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Blue Crabs
How many blue crab traps can I use in Florida?
Recreational harvesters may use up to 5 traps.
Do I need a buoy on my blue crab trap?
Yes. Recreational crab traps must have a buoy.
Can I keep female blue crabs?
Yes, unless they are egg-bearing, which must be released immediately. It is ethically responsible to release female crabs even if not egg bearing to sustain a blue crab population for generations to come.
What size do blue crabs have to be to keep?
Florida does not have a size limit for recreational harvest.
Are there blue crab trap closures in Florida?
Yes. Florida has annual regional 10-day closures so FWC can remove derelict traps.
Can I use chicken as bait for crabbing?
Yes. Chicken is one of the most widely used crab baits.
Can I sell blue crabs I catch recreationally?
No. Selling crabs without commercial licensing is illegal.
What type of trap is legal for blue crabs?
Standard wire or plastic traps with a biodegradable panel and proper tagging.