REEF Lionfish Collection Resources 

Lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) are invasive predators in Florida waters with no natural Atlantic predators. They are capable of reproducing year round while consuming native species, causing noticeable population declines. REEF encourages the safe and legal collection of lionfish in their invasive range to protect our native species.  

While invasive, there are certain rules and regulations that are in place to protect our fragile ecosystem here in the Florida Keys. 

 

Statewide FWC Regulations

  • License: No recreational fishing license is required for divers using hand‑held nets, pole spears, Hawaiian slings, or other gear marketed solely for lionfish harvesting. However, if lionfish are taken by hook‑and‑line or as bycatch, a recreational fishing license is required.
     
  • Bag limit: Unlimited. No daily or seasonal restrictions apply for recreational or commercial harvesters. Lionfish harvest is allowed year‑round in both state and federal waters
     
  • Commercial sales: Require a valid Saltwater Products License. Dealers selling live lionfish must document that the fish were legally harvested from Florida or adjacent federal waters. Any lionfish imported post-August 1, 2014 is prohibited unless pre‑2014 chain of custody is documented
  • Breeding and eggs: Intentional breeding, possession of live lionfish for cultivation, or possession of eggs/larvae (except for immediate destruction) is prohibited without a formal nonnative species permit
  • Venom safety: Handle lionfish carefully due to venomous dorsal, pelvic, and anal spines. In case of a sting, immerse the wound in hot (non-scalding) water and seek medical attention if needed FWC.
     

 

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Rules

  • In legal take zones: No permit is needed to remove lionfish using approved gear, as long as state and federal rules are followed.
     
  • In Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) (no‑take zones):
     
    • Permit required through FKNMS.
    • Removal from Ecological Reserves or Special‑use Research Only Areas is strictly prohibited even with a permit.
       
  • Prohibited spearfishing zones: In areas like northern Monroe County (e.g. Key Largo emergency marine areas), all spearfishing—including for lionfish—is banned. Violations can result in citations or arrest. Click here to learn more about spearfishing regulations in Monroe County.
     

 

Quick Reference Table

 

Aspect

Rule

Gear allowed (state waters)

Hand nets, pole spears, Hawaiian slings (no license needed if exclusively used for lionfish)

Gear allowed (SPAs)

Hand nets or slurp guns only (permit required)

Spearguns

Allowed in general state waters, not in SPAs or protected zones

License requirements

Not needed for divers with approved gear; needed for hook‑and‑line harvest

Bag limits

None — unlimited harvest is permitted

Season

Open year‑round

Commercial sale

Requires Saltwater Products License; chain‑of‑custody documentation required

Breeding/eggs

Prohibited without special permit

Safety handling

Use puncture‑resistant gloves; treat stings with hot water and seek medical care if needed

 

Community & Outreach Programs

  • FWC’s Lionfish Challenge (ran through September 2024) incentivized harvests with prizes and participation perks like extra lobster limits; verified harvesters received special redeemable coins.
     
  • REEF’s Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival: Annual events in the Florida Keys (with the 2025 edition held April 25–26) combining removal efforts, community education, arts, and culinary promotion of lionfish consumption.
  • REEF Sanctioned Derbies: REEF assists outside organizations with lionfish derbies throughout the state of Florida. Click here to learn more about REEF Sanctioned Derbies.
     



 

 Tips for Safe & Legal Participation

  1. Know your location: Before spearfishing, confirm whether you're in a legal zone, State Park Waters, Sanctuary Preservation Area , or protected marine zone. Do not rely on buoys - use GPS coordinates to ensure you are in the proper zone.
     
  2. Gear rules matter: Only use gear approved for lionfish—spearguns are often restricted, especially in sanctuary areas. Visit the FWC website for more information on legal gear. 
  3. Document commercial harvests: Retailers must have records proving legal sourcing back to Florida waters.
     
  4. Always practice safety: Lionfish spines are venomous and can administer painful stings; use proper gloves and first aid measures.

 

Q&A

  1. Are lionfish dangerous? Yes, if handled improperly. Lionfish have venomous spines on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Stings by these spines can cause swelling, blistering, dizziness, necrosis and even temporary paralysis. If you are stung by a lionfish spine, immerse the wound in hot (not scalding) water for 30-90 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

 

  1. Can I feed lionfish to other predators? No. REEF does not encourage the feeding of lionfish to predators. This can cause predators to view divers and snorkelers as a source of food, leading to aggressive behavior. Feeding predators can also cause lionfish spines to become lodged in the predator, leading to a lower quality of life. Overall, either dispose of the lionfish on land or eat it yourself! 

 

  1. Is there a specific season that I can hunt lionfish? - Lionfish have no closed season. Since they are an invasive species, FWC promotes the removal of lionfish from their invasive range. 
  2. Can I eat lionfish? Yes! Lionfish provide a mild flavor and flakey texture. REEF has our very own lionfish cookbook available for purchase on our website!