Yes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says a Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License includes a saltwater fishing license and Snook and Lobster permits. That covers the license and permit requirement for the person named on the license; it does not exempt them from Florida’s lobster seasons, size limits, bag limits, gear rules, or closed areas.
What the lifetime license includes
FWC’s Lifetime Licenses page says the Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License includes a saltwater fishing license and Snook and Lobster permits. In other words, the lobster permit is included with this specific lifetime license.
FWC lists the following prices on that page: $126.50 for a child age 4 or younger, $226.50 for ages 5–12, and $301.50 for ages 13 and older. These are the fees displayed on the FWC page retrieved October 8, 2026; confirm the current fee with FWC before buying.
License type matters. FWC lists the Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License separately; it covers freshwater fishing, not the saltwater fishing and lobster privileges described above. The Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License also includes a lobster permit.
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- Florida Spiny Lobster 3" Legal Measurement Gauge. Does not have the crab cutout on this new version.
- High visibility bright yellow plastic gauge is 5.5 inches in length. Has rounded corners and a slight bend to it. The quality is excellent.
- Measure lobsters in the water using this handy lobster gauge.
- Includes hole for attaching to a lanyard or your gear.
- This new version does NOT have the stone crab cut out, only the lobster gauge.
What the license does not allow you to skip
A license and permit authorize only the privileges they cover. Anyone harvesting spiny lobster must still follow the applicable season, location, size, daily limit, gear, and other rules. FWC’s spiny lobster rules state that recreational harvesters must possess and use a measuring device.
Season and daily limit
FWC’s lobster page lists the regular season as August 6 through March 31 and a daily bag limit of six lobsters per person. Season dates and rules can change, so check the current FWC rules for the year and location of your trip.
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- ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS: This gauge features dedicated slots for precise measurement of Lobster (3-1/4") and Crab (5"), helping ensure compliance with fishing regulations.
- MEASUREMENT METHOD: Measure from the rear of the eye socket to the end of the carapace. The 5" and 3-1/4" sizes meet standard requirements for both recreational and commercial crabbing and lobstering across multiple regions. Ideal for sea fishing enthusiasts.
- DURABLE ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from high-quality aluminum for superior hardness and excellent corrosion resistance. Designed to withstand saltwater conditions while remaining lightweight and portable.
- VERSATILE APPLICATION: An essential tool for every fishing enthusiast. Suitable not only for ocean fishing but also for kitchen use when checking seafood sizes.
- COMPLIANCE COVERAGE: Meets blue hard crab regulations in Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Alabama. Complies with lobster regulations in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Canada.
For 2026, FWC announced a two-day sport season on July 29–30, followed by the regular season from August 6, 2026, through March 31, 2027. During that 2026 sport season, the daily limit was six per person in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park waters and 12 per person elsewhere in Florida. Those dates and limits are specific to the 2026 season, not a standing rule for future years. See the FWC 2026 season announcement and verify current rules before harvesting.
Size and measuring
The minimum carapace length is greater than three inches, measured in the water. FWC requires you to possess and use a measuring device while harvesting. A spiny lobster measuring gauge can help you check the carapace; it does not replace the license, permit, or need to follow the rest of the rules.
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- 2-Pack, Two Openings on Each Gauge: Includes two aluminum crab and lobster gauges, each with a 5 inch opening for hard blue crab and a 3¼ inch opening for California spiny lobster and American lobster carapace, with laser-etched size markings. Keep one in your wader pocket and one on the trap bag, or share one with your crabbing partner.
- Check Local Sizes Before You Keep: Lobster and blue crab minimums vary by state, area and season, and some areas use larger sizes. Check current local rules before you keep your catch.
- Slim Enough for a Wader Pocket or Dive Bag: The thin aluminum profile is easy to carry in a wader pocket, bib pocket, fishing vest or tackle box. Keep it close for size checks while crabbing, lobstering or diving.
- Lanyard Hole Keeps It Close: Thread your own lanyard through the hole and clip it to a trap bag, dive kit or gear bag so it is ready when a borderline crab comes over the rail. Lanyard not included. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use.
- For Pier Crabbers, Boaters, Waders and Divers: A compact gauge for Chesapeake and Gulf blue crabbing, lobstering and California spiny lobster diving, for recreational crabbers and commercial harvesters.
Location, gear, and other restrictions
Harvest location restrictions, permitted gear, and additional prohibitions apply independently of your license coverage. Check FWC’s current spiny lobster rules for the specific water you plan to fish rather than relying only on the general season and size limits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who may be exempt from the permit requirement?
FWC lists exemptions that include people under 16, qualifying Florida residents age 65 or older, and people fishing from certain licensed for-hire vessels, vessels, or piers. The conditions differ by exemption. Review FWC’s license and permit exemption guidance for your own circumstances; one person’s exemption does not automatically apply to everyone in a group.
Quick Recap
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- California Spiny Lobster Gauge 3.25 inches CA DFW Compliant
- Corrosion Resistant Aluminum
- California rock crab gauge 4 inch
- Plastic Clip
- Designed in San Diego, CA USA
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- Aluminum Lobster Gauge with predrilled hole for your lanyard
- Total Length of this Gauge is 5.5 inches with a 3 inch cutaway for measuring the carapace of the Spiny Lobster
- Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times
Before you go
- Confirm that your document is a Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License, not a freshwater-only license.
- Check the current season dates, daily limit, location rules, and permitted gear with FWC.
- Bring and use a measuring device, and measure the carapace in the water.
- If you believe you qualify for an exemption instead, verify the exact conditions that apply to you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
