Florida stone crab season is back – legal for harvest from October 15 until May 15. They are given a time limit in order to maintain a sustainable population. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has given the Floridian stone crab fishery its highest rating of “Best Choice” for maintaining high fishing standards and working hard to keep the stone crab a viable fishery.

The Florida stone crab is harvested by removing one or both claws from the live animal and returning it to the ocean where it can regrow the lost limb(s). To be kept, claws must be 2.75 inches (70 mm) long, measured from the tips of the immovable finger to the first joint.

The catch varies from year to year, ranging between 2.0 and 3.5 million in the period 1982–2009, overwhelmingly from the Gulf coast (as opposed to Atlantic coast). Last year, due to red tide, the stone crab harvest was considerably less.

Claws are sold by size, generally in four sizes: medium, large, jumbo, and colossal.

Here are Seven Places in Orlando to Get Florida Stone Crab:

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

8046 Via Dellagio Way, Dellagio Town Center in Orlando; 407-615-8888; Bigfinseafood.com

Create your own seafood platter now available with stone crab! Get it while you can. We open at 5pm.

Stone crab season is HERE!
Call for details (407) 615-8888

Bar Harbor Seafood

?STONE CRABS – NEW LOWER PRICE? Special price begins now and runs while supplies last. Sizes offered: medium, large and jumbo.

Johnnie’s Hideaway

All-You-Can-Eat Stone Crab Claws – Every Monday Night
For AYCE Stone Crab At Johnnie’s Hideaway:

– On Mondays only
– Pricing is $65 for medium, $85 for large, and $135 for jumbo (sizing depends on Mother Nature so I would call ahead to see what sizes they have that day!)
– Includes Johnnie’s mustard but you can ask for melted butter and they’ll provide it (or do what I do and upgrade to truffle butter).
– For an additional $5 you get their amazing cheesy bread and signature salad!

Fishbones

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT STONE CRAB CLAWS
Every Night When Available

Lombardi’s Seafood

Sold by the Pound

Bites & Bubbles

Fall Temptation Menu at Bites & Bubbles- Three Courses with choices for only $42! Book your reservations and view menu online at www.bitesbubbles.com/temptation-menu