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when is scallop season in florida

Florida's bay scallop season varies by region along the Gulf Coast, typically running from mid-June through late September in designated zones. These dates are set annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to ensure sustainable harvesting, and it's crucial to check their official updates for the current year as they can adjust based on population health.

Regional Dates

Scallop harvesting is recreational only in specific state waters from Pasco County to Bay County. Here's a breakdown of 2025 season dates by zone, drawn from FWC-aligned reports:

Zone| Dates| Key Areas
---|---|---
Fenholloway-Suwannee Rivers (including Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee)| June 15 – Labor Day (lower bag limit June 15-30) 5| Taylor/Levy Counties east of Rock Island to north of Alligator Pass
Levy, Citrus, Hernando Counties (Cedar Key, Crystal River, Homosassa)| July 1 – Sept. 24 39| South of Suwannee mouth to Hernando-Pasco line
Pasco Zone| July 10 – Aug. 18 59| South of Hernando-Pasco line to Anclote Key Lighthouse (includes Anclote River)
St. Joseph Bay & Gulf County (Cape San Blas)| Aug. 16 – Sept. 24 19| Mexico Beach Canal to St. Vincent Island
Franklin/NW Taylor (e.g., Wakulla)| July 1 – Sept. 24 (some areas) 67| Varies; overlaps with other zones

Note: As of February 2026, 2025 dates are historical—confirm 2026 via MyFWC.com for any changes, as seasons opened similarly last year.

Bag Limits & Rules

  • Daily limit : 2 gallons whole scallops (in-shell) or 1 pint meat per person; vessel max 10 gallons whole or 0.5 gallon meat.
  • Saltwater fishing license required (or free for residents under 16).
  • No commercial harvest; report catches via FWC surveys for population tracking.
  • Protect seagrass : Use "stow it, don’t throw it" for gear—shallow waters are sensitive.

Hotspots & Tips

Popular spots like Crystal River, Homosassa, and Steinhatchee draw crowds for their clear, shallow bays (3-6 ft deep). Snorkel or free-dive at slack tide; look for scallops' "purplish-blue eyes" peeking from grass.

  • Gear basics : Mask, snorkel, fins, mesh bag, scoop net; boats often pole through seagrass.
  • Best conditions : Early morning, calm winds; water gin-clear post-cold fronts.
  • Local intel : Facebook groups like "Florida Shrimping Academy" share real-time reports—past summers saw epic hauls near Wakulla.

One diver called it a "gigantic Easter egg hunt "—kids spot 'em first in the shallows!

Cooking Ideas

Fresh scallops shine simply:

  • Garlic butter sauté : Melt butter, brown garlic, add scallops/parsley, cook 2-3 mins.
  • Stuffed shells : Local Citrus County fave, broiled 3-4 mins.
  • Pro tip: Shuck on-site, rinse sand, eat same day for sweetest flavor.

"These little scallops with purplish blue eyes... grab 'em and take 'em home!" – Scalloper testimonial

TL;DR : Core season July-Sept across zones; always verify FWC for 2026 dates, limits. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.