The 2025 recreational bay scallop season is set to commence on July 1, covering Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County, including Carrabelle, Lanark, and St. Marks. Portions of Levy County and all of Citrus and Hernando counties, including Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa, are also included in this season which will run until September 24.
In these areas, the daily bag limit is two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person. There is a maximum limit of ten gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or half a gallon (four pints) of shucked bay scallop meat per vessel each day. Vessel limits do not allow individuals to exceed their personal bag limits throughout the season.
Bay scallops can only be harvested by hand or using a landing or dip net; commercial harvesting is prohibited. For more details on regulations regarding bay scallops, visit MyFWC.com/Marine under “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.”
While the dates for bay scallop seasons may vary by region, regulations permit the direct transit of legally harvested bay scallops through closed areas. Boaters must not stop in waters closed to harvest but should proceed directly to a dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.
A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for recreational harvesters unless exempted or if they have a no-cost shoreline fishing license while wading from shore without swimming or using a vessel. Licenses can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or via the Fish|Hunt FL app.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises boaters to designate a sober operator for safety reasons. Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal with penalties similar to those for motor vehicles. More information can be found at MyFWC.com/Boating under “Boating Under the Influence.”
When diving for scallops, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag in open water or within 100 feet if on rivers or channels. Boats should operate at idle speed near divers-down flags.
It is illegal to damage seagrass beds in certain state waters areas as they serve as habitats for marine life like manatees and green sea turtles. Boaters are encouraged to use marked navigation channels and avoid shallow seagrass beds.
Scallopers are urged not to discard shells near recreational areas due to potential hazards and environmental impacts. Shells should be disposed of properly either in trash receptacles or larger bodies of water.
Additionally, volunteers known as Scallop Sitters help maintain cages with up to 50 bay scallops from June through January across various bays. These volunteers receive equipment and instructions for their tasks.
For further information on becoming a Scallop Sitter or other related topics, visit MyFWC.com/Research under “Saltwater” then “Bay Scallops.”
