What month is scallop season in Florida?

Florida's bay scallop season runs from mid-June through late September, with opening dates that vary by zone. The Fenholloway to Suwannee River Zone opens first on June 15, while most other Gulf Coast zones open on August 16 and run through September 24. The Pasco Zone has its own window from July 10 through August 18. Checking the current FWC Bay Scallops Regulations Page before your trip is always a good idea since dates and limits can change between seasons.

Are there scallops in the Gulf?

Yes, bay scallops are found in the shallow seagrass beds of Florida's Gulf Coast, typically at depths between four and eight feet. They thrive in areas with clean, clear water and healthy seagrass meadows, which is why the Big Bend region and Nature Coast are consistently productive scalloping destinations. Florida's Gulf Coast is one of the few places in the United States where recreational bay scallop harvesting is permitted.

Plan your 2026 Gulf Coast scalloping trip: Zones, dates, bag limits, gear, and conservation tips from Bill Jackson’s dive team.

July 6, 2026

By: Tiffany Johnson, Dive Shop Manager, Bill Jackson’s

Every summer, a unique kind of treasure hunt transforms the shallow, sun-drenched grass flats of Florida’s Gulf Coast into a vibrant playground. It is not quite fishing, and it is more active than a standard day at the beach. Scalloping is the Gulf coast underwater Easter egg hunt where adults and children alike don masks, snorkels, and fins to scoop up sweet, delicious bay scallops from the seafloor. If you are planning to join this beloved summer tradition, you must know the specific regional zones, staggered dates, strict harvesting laws, and proper gear requirements. This comprehensive blog covers everything needed to successfully navigate the 2026 Florida Gulf Coast scalloping season.

Florida Bay Scallop Season 2026: Zones and Opening Dates

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages bay scallops by dividing the Gulf Coast into distinct zones. You can review the complete breakdown of regional boundaries directly on the FWC Bay Scallops Regulations Page. Because populations vary along the coast, opening dates are staggered by region to prevent overharvesting.

Fenholloway to Suwannee River Zone

The season begins in the Fenholloway to Suwannee River Zone, which runs from June 15 through Labor Day, though a lower bag limit applies during the initial mini-season window from June 15 through June 30.

Franklin County, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, and St. Joseph Bay Zones

Following this kickoff, the Franklin County to Northwest Taylor County Zone, the Levy, Citrus, and Hernando Counties Zone, and the St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County Zone all open on August 16 and run through September 24.

Pasco Zone Dates and Window

The Pasco Zone features the shortest window, opening on July 10 and closing on August 18.

Prime Scalloping Hotspots: Where to Find the Best Grass Flats

Scallops thrive in pristine, shallow waters rich in lush seagrass beds, typically at depths between four and eight feet. In Florida’s Big Bend region, Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach offer vast, shallow flats extending out from the mouth of the Steinhatchee River that provide incredibly productive harvesting terrain. Further south, Crystal River and Homosassa in Citrus County provide perfect family-friendly conditions where spring-fed rivers create clear, brackish estuaries. For those looking to extend their summer into late August and September, St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County boasts breathtakingly clear water, meaning you can often spot the scallops’ brilliant, glowing blue eyes directly from the surface.

Bag Limits, Licensing, and Legal Harvest Rules

To keep the fishery healthy, conservation authorities strictly enforce catch limits, legal harvest methods, and safety mandates.

Daily Bag Limits by Zone and Season

During the standard season, the daily recreational bag limit is two gallons of whole scallops in the shell, or one pint of cleaned scallop meat per person. For vessels with multiple passengers, the maximum boat limit is ten gallons of whole scallops, or one half gallon of cleaned meat. It is important to note that personal limits cannot be combined to exceed this maximum boat limit, and the Fenholloway to Suwannee River zone restricts catches to one gallon per person and five gallons per vessel during its June mini season. Furthermore, “double dipping” is strictly illegal, meaning the daily bag limit applies to the individual for the entire calendar day, regardless of how many separate trips are made back to the dock.

Legal Harvesting Methods

Legal harvesting methods are strictly limited to collection by hand or with a hand-held dip net or landing net, while any form of commercial harvesting or mechanical collection is entirely prohibited.

Do You Need a Fishing License to Go Scalloping?

If you are scalloping on your own boat or wading from the shoreline, anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 must possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License. This license can be purchased easily online through the official Go Outdoors Florida Licensing Portal. However, if you book a trip with a licensed charter captain, their commercial vessel license covers everyone on board, which eliminates the need for individual permits.

Scalloping Gear Checklist: What to Bring on the Water

Before pushing off from the boat ramp, you must ensure your vessel is packed with proper safety gear and harvesting essentials.

Safety and Legal Requirements

A primary legal requirement is the divers-down flag, which must be prominently displayed on your vessel or on a floating buoy if you are snorkeling. In open Gulf waters, swimmers must stay within 300 feet of this flag to protect themselves from passing boat traffic.

Snorkeling and Harvesting Essentials

Necessary personal equipment includes a comfortable mask, snorkel, and small fins. Smaller fins are preferred to prevent accidentally tearing up fragile seagrass beds. You will also need mesh collection bags to securely hold your catch underwater, reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine habitats, and a solid cooler packed with plentiful ice. Our team at Bill Jacksons can get you all set with everything you’ll need for a successful scallop experience. Stop by our shop at 9501 US Hwy 19, Pinellas Park 33782. Remember, scallops must be placed on ice immediately upon reaching the boat because the cold shock keeps them fresh and coaxes their shells open, making the shucking process significantly easier.

Sustainable Scalloping: Protecting Florida’s Seagrass and Marine Habitats

Bay scallops are highly sensitive, short-lived creatures that typically live for only 18 months, meaning their survival rely entirely on the health of local underwater ecosystems. To learn more about their life cycles, check out the FWRI Bay Scallop Species Profile.

Navigating Shallow Flats Without Damaging Seagrass

When navigating shallow flats, boat hulls and propellers can easily scar and destroy the seagrass meadows that scallops rely on for shelter. If you enter shallow waters, you should trim your motor up and idle or turn off the engine and manually push the boat into deeper water if you run aground.

Responsible Shell Disposal

Responsible shell disposal is crucial for conservation. You should never discard shucked scallop shells back into shallow inshore waters, swimming areas, channels, or near boat ramps where they create severe hazards for swimmers and choke out living seagrass. Instead, toss your empty shells directly into a shore-side trash receptacle or wait until you are out in the deep, open waters of the Gulf where strong currents can safely disperse them. By respecting the regulations and the environment, you ensure this incredible Florida summer tradition remains vibrant for generations to come.

After a long day of scalloping head to here to Learn How to Shuck a Bay Scallop before preparing them to eat!

Happy Scalloping. We will see ya’ in the shop for all your scalloping needs!

If you’re heading out to the grass flats this summer, Bill Jackson’s Shop For Adventure has everything you need to make the trip a success. Our dive shop team can help you find the right mask, snorkel, and fins for scalloping conditions, including smaller fin options that are easier on seagrass beds. We carry mesh collection bags, reef-safe sunscreen, and coolers built for a day on the water. Whether you’re gearing up for your first scalloping trip or replacing worn-out equipment before the season opens, stop in and talk to our team. We’re located at 9501 US Highway 19 N, Pinellas Park, FL 33782, and you can reach us at (727) 576-4169. We’re happy to walk you through exactly what you need based on where you’re headed and how many people are in your group.

Gulf Coast Scalloping Fun

Frequently Asked Questions About Gulf Coast Scalloping

Q: Do kids need a fishing license to go scalloping in Florida?

A: Anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 needs a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License to go scalloping on their own or from a private vessel. Residents and visitors under 16 are exempt. If you book a trip with a licensed charter captain, their commercial vessel license covers everyone on board, so individual licenses are not required.

Q: Where is the best place in Florida to go scalloping?

A: Florida’s Gulf Coast offers several outstanding scalloping destinations depending on the time of season. Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach in the Big Bend region are known for their vast, shallow grass flats and productive harvesting conditions. Crystal River and Homosassa in Citrus County are popular family-friendly options with clear, spring-fed water, and St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County is widely regarded for its exceptional water clarity, where you can often spot scallops’ glowing blue eyes directly from the surface.

Q: What is the absolute best time of day to hunt for scallops?

A: The best time to go scalloping is on a bright, sunny day during a slack tide or low tide. Bright sunlight penetrates the water, making it much easier to spot the scallops’ neon blue eyes flashing in the grass beds, while slower tidal currents keep you from fighting the water while snorkeling.

Q: Can I keep scallops that I find outside of the official open zones?

A: No. Harvesting or possessing bay scallops outside of an open management zone—or during a zone’s closed dates—is strictly illegal. If you are traveling by boat, you are permitted to transit through a closed area with scallops on board, but you must travel continuously and cannot stop until you reach the dock.

Q: How do I know if a scallop is alive and safe to harvest?

A: Live bay scallops will have their shells tightly closed, or they will quickly snap their shells shut when you approach or touch them. Never harvest or consume a scallop that is already dead, gaping wide open, or unresponsive, as the meat deteriorates rapidly.

Q: What happens if our boat catches more than the vessel limit?

A: The vessel limit acts as a hard cap for the boat, regardless of how many licensed individuals are on board. For example, during the standard season, the limit is 2 gallons per person or 10 gallons per vessel. Even if you have 6 licensed scallopers on board (which mathematically equals 12 gallons), you must stop harvesting once the boat hits the 10-gallon maximum.

Q: Why can’t I throw my empty scallop shells back into the water at the boat ramp?

A: Discarding large piles of hard scallop shells into shallow inshore waters or near boat ramps creates dangerous laceration hazards for swimmers and dogs. Additionally, accumulating shells blankets the bottom, choking out the sunlight needed for underwater seagrass beds to recover and grow.

Q: Do I really need to put scallops on ice immediately?

A: Yes, keeping a well-insulated cooler packed with ice is crucial. The structural thermal shock of the ice kills the scallops quickly and safely, which naturally relaxes their adductor muscle. This coaxes the shells to pop open slightly on their own, making the shucking process incredibly fast and easy back at the docks.