A proposed bill would up the stakes for illegally catching large amounts of lobsters. The Republican Representative for Monroe County, Holly Raschein, is sponsoring the House version of the legislation.

It’s currently a second degree misdemeanor regardless of how many lobsters someone has caught illegally. Raschein says that wouldn’t change under her proposed bill for someone with a couple dozen lobsters.“If you’re in possession of 25 or more, you’re able to be charged with a first degree misdemeanor which of course is punishable by up to one year in jail", Raschein  said. "And also, it strengthens penalties for repeat offenders.”

Raschein says the goal of her legislation is to protect legitimate fisherman in the Keys. Republican Senator Jack Latvala (lat-VUH-luh) from Clearwater is sponsoring the Senate version.