FWC News

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• Florida spiny lobster seasons start soon! 

  Friday, July 25, 2025 -  The 2025 spiny lobster season opens with the 2-day recreational sport season July 30 and 31, followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, Aug. 6-March 31. 

• FWC conducts Lake Okeechobee invasive plant management starting July 28 

  Friday, July 25, 2025 -  A total of 2,500 acres of torpedograss, a Category 1 invasive species, will be managed.

• Blue crab trap closure ending early for Wakulla through Hernando counties on July 26 

  Wednesday, July 23, 2025 -  The blue crab trap closure included state waters within 3 nautical miles from shore within Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, including all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay.

• 2025 recreational gag grouper season open Sept 1-14 in Gulf state waters

  Monday, July 21, 2025 -  The FWC issued an executive order to modify the recreational season of gag grouper in Gulf state waters, excluding all state waters off Monroe County.

• FWC to host Bowhunting Wildlife Workshop on Aug. 17

  Monday, July 21, 2025 -  The FWC is partnering with the Easton-Newberry Archery Center to host a Bowhunting Wildlife Workshop in Alachua County.

• Blue crab trap closure for Hernando through Wakulla counties starts July 20

  Wednesday, July 16, 2025 -  This closure will allow groups authorized by the FWC to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from the water.

• FWC completes revegetation projects on Lake Okeechobee

  Tuesday, July 15, 2025 -  These revegetation efforts are in part guided by the Lake Okeechobee Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Plan, developed in 2022 to help more aquatic species meet management goals.

• 2025 Florida Python Challenge™ kicks off today

  Friday, July 11, 2025 -  This year’s competition features the exciting addition of Everglades National Park as one of eight official Florida Python Challenge locations.

• Blue crab trap closure for Broward through Pasco counties starts July 10

  Wednesday, July 9, 2025 -  These closures will allow groups authorized by the FWC to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from the water.

• FWC certifies new state record spotted bass 

  Wednesday, July 9, 2025 -  FWC Law Enforcement Officer Wil Raker certified a new state record spotted bass caught by angler Joe Durden from Blountstown. The fish weighed 3.93 pounds and measured 18.25 inches in length.