How To: Measure Crustaceans in Florida
Florida Blue Crab
In Florida, blue crabs must measure at least 5 inches point-to-point across the widest part of the shell to be legally kept. This measurement is taken from Nails (the tips of the lateral points).
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To measure, place the crab’s widest points into the 5" opening on your OceanBuilt Florida gauge:
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If the crab fits through the opening, it must be released.
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If the crab does not fit, it is legal to keep.
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Measuring accurately helps ensure compliance with Florida regulations and supports sustainable blue crab populations.​
Florida Stone Crab Claw
In Florida, stone crabs are harvested by claw only. The body must be returned to the water immediately, alive and unharmed.
Stone crab claws go from the tip of the immovable claw to the first joint (the knuckle) to be legally kept.
To measure, place the claw into the stone crab slot on your OceanBuilt Florida gauge:
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If the claw fits within the opening, it must be released.
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If the claw does not fit, it is legal to keep.
Only one claw may be harvested per crab, and claws must be taken in a way that gives the crab the best chance of survival.
Florida Spiny Lobster
In Florida, spiny lobster must measure at least 3 inches carapace length to be legally kept. The carapace is measured from the rear of the eye socket to the rear edge of the shell, not including the tail.
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To measure, place the lobster’s carapace into the lobster slot on your OceanBuilt Florida gauge:
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If the carapace fits within the opening, it must be released.
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If the carapace does not fit, it is legal to keep.
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Proper measuring helps ensure compliance with Florida regulations and supports sustainable lobster populations.
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