The 2025 recreational bay scallop season in the Pasco Zone is set to commence on July 10 and will continue until August 18. This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing all waters of the Anclote River.
The daily bag limit for harvesting bay scallops is two gallons of whole scallops in the shell or one pint of scallop meat per person. Additionally, there is a maximum vessel limit of ten gallons of whole scallops in the shell or half a gallon (four pints) of shucked meat per day. Vessel limits do not allow individuals to exceed their personal bag limit.
Harvesting bay scallops is only permitted by hand or with a landing or dip net, and commercial harvesting remains prohibited. For more details on regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine under “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.”
While season dates can vary by region, regulations permit the direct transit of legally harvested bay scallops through closed areas without stopping until reaching a dock or ramp.
Recreational harvesters require a Florida saltwater fishing license unless exempted or possessing a no-cost shoreline fishing license while wading from shore. 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 wear life jackets when underway due to statistics showing over half of boating fatalities involve victims who could swim but were not wearing life jackets. Over 60% of boating fatalities result from falls overboard and drowning, with 80% not wearing life jackets.
To ensure safety while diving for scallops:
– Divers should remain within 300 feet of a divers-down flag in open water or within 100 feet if on a river, inlet, or navigation channel.
– Boats should operate at idle speed within these distances from divers-down flags.
For further information on boating safety, visit MyFWC.com/Boating under “Boating Regulations” and select “Divers-down Warning Devices.”
It is illegal to damage seagrass beds in certain state waters areas. Boaters are advised to use marked navigation channels where possible and avoid shallow seagrass beds that can be harmed by propeller scars. Seagrasses are crucial as they serve as food for endangered species like manatees and green sea turtles, act as natural water filters, and provide habitat for marine life such as bay scallops. More information on seagrass awareness can be found at MyFWC.com/Boating under “Boating Regulations” by selecting “Seagrass Awareness.”
Additionally, recreational participants are reminded not to discard scallop shells near swimming areas or boat ramps as they pose hazards for swimmers and harm seagrass habitats. Shells should be disposed of in trash receptacles or larger bodies where they can disperse naturally. It’s also important to secure trash aboard vessels to prevent it from blowing overboard.
