Can you spearfish in Key Largo?

What Florida law says about spearfishing in the Upper Keys (Key Largo included)

Florida Statute 379.2425 defines spearfishing and then lays out a major limitation: spearfishing is prohibited within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and within the Monroe County area known as the Upper Keys—described as all salt waters under FWC jurisdiction from the Miami-Dade/Monroe line south through Long Key.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) also summarizes this plainly in their spearing rules: “In Monroe County from Long Key north to the Dade County line.”

NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary “Lionfish Removal” page repeats the same idea in a way that’s super clear for visitors: no spearfishing in state waters from Long Key north to the Miami-Dade line (bayside and oceanside).

Bottom line: Since Key Largo is in that Upper Keys stretch, you cannot legally spearfish in state waters around Key Largo.

Federal sanctuary rules near Key Largo (and why they matter even if you “go offshore”)

Key Largo isn’t just “the Upper Keys.” It’s also tied to a major protected area offshore.

NOAA explains that the waters off Key Largo became protected as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and later became part of the larger sanctuary system; today, the Key Largo area includes a large Key Largo Management Area with special regulations.

Here’s the key federal piece many visitors miss: In the sanctuary’s Key Largo and Looe Key Management Areas, federal regulation prohibits fishing with, carrying, or possessing spearguns and similar devices except while passing through without interruption (or for law enforcement).

NOAA also summarizes this for the public: the Key Largo Management Area is a no spearfishing area and is described as federal waters adjacent to Pennekamp, extending to 300-foot depth, with additional “possession of spearfishing equipment” restrictions.

What this means in real life: even if someone thinks “I’ll just go a little farther out,” the Key Largo area has multiple overlapping protections. If you’re trying to stay legal, you need to know both the state Upper Keys prohibition and the sanctuary zone rules.

Other spearfishing rules that can trip people up (even outside Key Largo)

Even in places where spearfishing is allowed, Florida has additional restrictions. FWC notes spearfishing is prohibited:

• within 100 yards (300 feet) of public swimming beaches, fishing piers, and fishing bridges

• and there are jetty restrictions too

NOAA’s sanctuary page also lists multiple “no fishing/no spearing” zone types (Sanctuary Preservation Areas, conservation areas, restoration areas, certain wildlife management areas), and those zones exist throughout the Keys.

“What about lionfish?” (The one situation people ask about)

Lionfish are invasive, and people often ask if they can spear them.

NOAA encourages safe removal and explains that lionfish can be harvested in the sanctuary as long as you follow state and federal rules and avoid no-fishing areas.

NOAA also states that spearfishing is prohibited in the Upper Keys state waters (Key Largo’s region) and in the Key Largo Management Area—so “lionfish removal” doesn’t override the underlying no-spearing rules in those zones.

If you’re serious about lionfish removal, NOAA notes there are specific rules and sometimes permits/permissions for organized events or protected zones.

My best advice: treat lionfish as a separate “do it right” project—don’t assume it’s a loophole. If you want to do lionfish removal legally in the Keys, follow NOAA’s guidance and the current FWC rules for gear and zones.

So where can you spearfish if you’re staying in Key Largo?

If you’re based in Key Largo and spearfishing is a must-have, you generally need to plan a separate day/trip to an area where:

1. State waters are not in the Upper Keys no-spearing zone, and

2. You’re not inside a sanctuary zone that bans spearing or bans possession of spearfishing gear.

The Keys have many marine zones and boundaries. FWC’s Florida Keys marine zone maps are a helpful reference to see what’s protected and what rules apply where.

Because the “allowed” areas change by exact location and zone type (and rules can change), the safest move is:

• Use the official maps + current regulations, and/or

• Book a charter/guide who specializes in legal spearfishing areas (and ask them to confirm where you’ll be operating).

How to stay legal (a simple checklist)

Before you put spearfishing gear in the water anywhere near Key Largo, do this:

1. Confirm you are not in the Upper Keys no-spearing zone (Miami-Dade line through Long Key).

2. Check whether you’re inside any sanctuary zone that prohibits spearfishing or even possessing spearfishing equipment (Key Largo Management Area is the big one for this topic).

3. Check distance restrictions (beaches/piers/bridges).

4. Check what species are legal to spear (FWC’s spearing rules list species restrictions).

5. Look for a page-specific Last Updated date on the rules you’re reading (or default to the official FWC + NOAA pages above).

Quick FAQ

Is spearfishing allowed anywhere in Key Largo?
In state waters around Key Largo, spearfishing is prohibited because Key Largo is in the Upper Keys no-spearing zone.

Can I bring a speargun on my boat in Key Largo waters?
Certain sanctuary zones restrict carrying/possessing spearguns except while passing through without interruption, and NOAA lists additional possession restrictions in specific zones.

Does “Pennekamp” have its own spearfishing rule?
Yes. Florida Statute 379.2425 explicitly prohibits spearfishing within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Note: Regulations change and zones are precise. This post is travel guidance, not legal advice—always verify current rules on FWC and NOAA before you go.

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