Stone crab season closing

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News Release

The season for all harvest, possession and sale of stone crab claws in Florida closes on May 16.  This closure occurs each year to help protect and sustain Florida's valuable stone crab resource.  Stone crab season will reopen on Oct. 15.

Stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 16 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.

Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season unless a special extension is granted under certain conditions by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.