Introduction

One of the most common questions visitors ask before a Florida Keys spearfishing trip is simple:

“Where can I legally spearfish?”

In the Upper and Middle Keys, from Key Largo south through Long Key, spearfishing is generally prohibited within 3 miles of shore on the Atlantic Ocean side and within 9 miles of shore on the Gulf of America side. These restrictions include many islands, keys, and inlets throughout the region.

Spearfishing opportunities become much more available south of Long Key, where many offshore reefs, ledges, and patch reefs are open to spearfishing, provided they are not located within a no-take zone, sanctuary preservation area, wildlife management area, or other protected zone.

Before every trip, anglers and divers should verify current regulations using official NOAA Sanctuary maps and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) resources, as additional closures and protected areas may apply.

When in doubt, check the regulations first. A few minutes of research can prevent costly violations and help protect the Florida Keys fishery for future generations.

The Florida Keys contain numerous protected areas, sanctuary preservation areas, ecological reserves, state parks, and no-take zones.

Additional Spearfishing Restrictions

Even in areas where spearfishing is generally legal, several additional restrictions apply throughout Florida and the Florida Keys.

Beaches, Piers, and Bridges

Spearfishing is prohibited:

• Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach.
• Within 100 yards of any commercial or public fishing pier.
• Within 100 yards of any portion of a bridge where public fishing is allowed.

Jetties

Spearfishing is prohibited within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that extends above the surface of the water.

An exception exists for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from shore, where spearfishing may be allowed if all other regulations are followed.

Understanding where you can and cannot spearfish is essential before entering the water.

Why So Many People Get Confused

Many anglers assume that if they are offshore, they can legally spearfish.

However, certain areas throughout the Florida Keys prohibit spearfishing regardless of distance from shore.

Protected areas may include:

• Sanctuary Preservation Areas
• Ecological Reserves
• State Parks
• Research Areas
• Existing No-Take Zones

Always verify current regulations before entering the water.

Areas to Research Before Every Trip

Before launching your boat, confirm:

• Current sanctuary boundaries
• No-take zones
• State park restrictions
• Seasonal closures
• Species regulations

Taking a few minutes to verify boundaries can prevent costly mistakes.

Tools That Help

Several tools can help identify boundaries and protected areas:

• Official sanctuary maps
• GPS chartplotters
• Navionics
• State and federal agency websites

Never rely solely on memory when planning a trip.

Common Questions

Can I spearfish near mangrove islands?

It depends on the specific location and whether the area falls within a protected zone.

Can I spearfish near bridges?

Certain bridges and nearby waters may have restrictions. Always verify local regulations.

Can I spearfish in state parks?

Many state parks prohibit spearfishing.

Can I spearfish inside no-take zones?

No. Harvesting marine life is prohibited in no-take zones.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Keys offer outstanding spearfishing opportunities, but understanding legal boundaries is critical.

Before every trip, verify current regulations and protected areas to ensure a safe and legal dive.