Food
Stone Crab Season Opens October 15: Where to Get Claws Near Miami Gardens
Fresh Florida stone crab claws are back starting October 15.
Miami doesn't get falling leaves, but it does get something better: stone crab season. Florida's season opens Thursday, October 15, and runs through May 1, 2027. Here is what to know about South Florida's favorite seasonal treat and where to find fresh claws close to Miami Gardens.
Season: October 15, 2026, through May 1, 2027. Minimum claw size: 2 7/8 inches, measured from the elbow joint to the tip of the lower claw. How it works: only the claws are harvested; the crab goes back in the water alive. Rule of thumb: about three claws per person, or roughly a pound for a hearty serving.
Why stone crabs are special
Stone crabs are one of Florida's most sustainable seafood traditions. Harvesters keep only the claws and return the crab to the water alive, where it can regrow the claw over time. Keeping a whole stone crab is illegal. The claws are cooked right after harvest, then usually served cold with mustard sauce.
The season is closed for five months each year to help protect the population, which is why opening day feels like a holiday for seafood lovers.
Know your sizes
Claws are sold by size, usually medium, large, jumbo, and sometimes colossal, and the price goes up with size. Larger claws have more meat per crack, while mediums are a budget-friendly way to try them. Prices change through the season with supply, so call ahead for the day's price.
Where to get stone crabs near Miami Gardens
Miami's most famous stone crab spots are in Miami Beach and downtown, but you don't have to go that far. These seafood favorites are a short drive east of Miami Gardens:
Captain Jim's Seafood Market & Restaurant
12950 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami. 305-892-2812. A longtime North Miami seafood market and restaurant. During the season, stone crabs are usually in the case as a daily special rather than on the online menu, so you can eat them there or take them home. Call ahead to check availability.
Blue Runner Seafood
Biscayne Boulevard near 109th Street, North Miami area. A family-owned seafood truck known for fresh, no-frills claws at prices that are often lower than sit-down restaurants. Check its social media for current location and ordering details.
Local markets and grocery stores
Many seafood counters and grocery stores carry stone crab claws during the season. Ask whether the claws are fresh or previously frozen, since fresh claws taste noticeably better.
Catching your own
Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless exempt, must register their traps each year, and are limited to five traps per person and one gallon of claws per person per day. Claws must meet the 2 7/8-inch minimum, and claws may not be taken from egg-bearing females. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's current rules before you go.
How to serve them
Stone crab claws are sold already cooked, so they need no heating. Crack them gently with the back of a spoon or a small mallet, never twist them apart, and serve cold with mustard sauce, melted butter, or lemon.
Looking for seafood and more closer to home? Browse our list of restaurants near Hard Rock Stadium, and see our October events guide for everything else happening this month.
Frequently asked questions
When does stone crab season start in 2026?
Florida stone crab season opens Thursday, October 15, 2026, and runs through May 1, 2027.
Where can I get stone crabs near Miami Gardens?
Nearby options include Captain Jim’s Seafood Market and Restaurant at 12950 W. Dixie Highway in North Miami and the Blue Runner Seafood truck on Biscayne Boulevard. Call ahead to check availability and prices.
What is the legal size for stone crab claws in Florida?
The minimum claw size is 2 7/8 inches, measured from the elbow joint to the tip of the lower, immovable finger.
How many stone crab claws should I buy per person?
A common rule of thumb is about three claws per person, or roughly a pound for a hearty serving.
Do you need to cook stone crab claws?
No. Stone crab claws are cooked right after harvest and are usually served cold with mustard sauce.
Season dates and rules are from Florida agencies and published guides as of October 13, 2026. Availability, prices, and locations can change. Confirm with businesses before you go and check current FWC regulations before harvesting. Published: October 13, 2026.
