Bay Scallop Season Opens August 16 in Gulf County Zone

Florida's 2025 recreational bay scallop season is set to open August 16 in the Gulf County Zone, which includes all of St. Joseph Bay. The season will run through September 24, offering residents and visitors a chance to harvest these prized shellfish under regulated guidelines designed to protect marine habitats and ensure safety.

Where You Can Harvest

The Gulf County Zone covers all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. While bay scallop season dates vary by region, legally harvested scallops may be transported through closed areas-provided vessels do not stop until reaching a dock or ramp.

Bag Limits and Harvest Rules

• Per Person Daily Limit:

• 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell

• OR 1 pint of shucked scallop meat

• Per Vessel Daily Limit:

• 10 gallons of whole scallops

• OR ½ gallon (4 pints) of shucked meat

Vessel limits do not override individual bag limits. Scallops must be harvested by hand or with a landing/dip net. Commercial harvest is strictly prohibited.

License Requirements

A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless exempt. Those wading from shore with a no-cost shoreline license may harvest scallops without a vessel, provided they do not swim, snorkel, or use SCUBA gear.

Licenses can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA, or via the FishHunt FL app.

Safety First: Boating and Diving Guidelines

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges all boaters to wear life jackets while underway. In 2024, over 40% of boating fatalities in Florida were due to people falling overboard and drowning-most were not wearing life jackets.

Scalloping Safety Tips:

• Divers must stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag in open water, or within 100 feet in rivers, inlets, or channels.

• Boats must operate at idle speed within those same distances of a divers-down flag.

More safety info is available at MyFWC.com/Boating.

Protecting Seagrass Beds

Boaters are reminded to avoid damaging seagrass beds, which are vital to marine ecosystems and protected by Florida law. Stay within marked channels and avoid shallow areas with visible seagrass to prevent propeller scars.

Seagrasses support endangered species like manatees and green sea turtles, filter water naturally, and provide habitat for bay scallops.

Stow It, Don't Throw It

Discarding scallop shells in inshore recreational waters can harm swimmers and seagrass habitats. Dispose of shells in trash bins or deeper offshore waters where they can disperse naturally. Secure all trash onboard to prevent littering.

For full scallop regulations and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on "Bay Scallops" under "Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish."

https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/?redirect=marine