A Sanford, Florida, man received a mandatory court citation on Saturday morning after an officer caught him with an undersized spiny lobster near Islamorada.
Islamorada Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez was patrolling the waters near Founders Park at roughly 10:35 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2026, when he spotted 54-year-old Scott Allan McGrath snorkeling near a local jetty. Upon inspection, Sanchez discovered McGrath in possession of a lobster that failed to meet the state’s minimum legal size requirements.
Deputies issued McGrath a mandatory notice to appear in court for the wildlife violation.
Florida law strictly regulates the harvest of spiny lobsters to protect local marine populations, requiring harvesters to carry a measuring device and measure lobsters while still in the water.
Complete state fishing guidelines and size limits are available through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com.
READ: Zero Physical Arrests And Two Rescues Mark 2026 Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season
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