Bay scallop season officially begins July 10 for recreational harvesters in Florida’s Pasco Zone
Florida – The long-awaited bay scallop season in the Pasco Zone is just around the corner. Beginning on Wednesday, July 10, and running through August 18, recreational harvesters will be able to gather bay scallops from state waters stretching south of the Hernando-Pasco county line down to the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County—including all waters of the Anclote River.
This seasonal window is a favorite for both residents and visitors alike, offering a chance to enjoy Florida’s Gulf Coast while participating in a time-honored summer tradition. However, along with the excitement comes a firm reminder from state officials: follow the rules, be safe, and protect the environment.
Rules on Limits and Harvest Methods
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has outlined clear regulations for this year’s scalloping season. Individuals are allowed to collect up to 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of scallop meat per day. For vessels, the daily maximum is capped at 10 gallons of whole scallops or a half-gallon (equivalent to 4 pints) of shucked scallop meat.
Importantly, vessel limits don’t override individual bag limits. Everyone on board must still stick to their personal allowance. The harvest itself is only permitted by hand or with a landing or dip net—commercial harvesting remains illegal.
For those planning to take part, a valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you fall into an exempt category. If you’re wading from the shoreline with a no-cost shoreline license and don’t use a boat or leave your feet off the ground to swim or snorkel, you’re also exempt. Licenses can be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by phone at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or through the Fish|Hunt FL app.
Transporting Scallops Through Closed Areas
Regulations also permit legally harvested bay scallops to be transported through zones where harvesting is not allowed, but there’s a catch: vessels must proceed directly to their destination—usually a dock or boat ramp—without stopping in the restricted areas.
Safety Comes First on the Water
Alongside the harvest rules, FWC is putting a strong emphasis on boating safety during the scalloping season. With over 60% of boating-related fatalities in Florida involving people falling overboard and drowning—and with the majority of victims not wearing life jackets—FWC is urging everyone to put safety first.
“Statistics show that over half of boating fatality victims were reported as being able to swim,” the agency stated. “Even the strongest swimmers can be unprepared and unable to respond to a fall overboard.”
Scallopers using dive gear are reminded to properly display a divers-down flag. In open water, divers must stay within 300 feet of the flag, and boats must stay at idle speed within that distance. For rivers, inlets, or navigational channels, the distance drops to 100 feet.
Protecting Seagrass and Wildlife Habitat
While the thrill of harvesting scallops is a big draw, the FWC is also asking boaters and divers to remain mindful of seagrass beds. These underwater meadows are not only vital to marine life—including the scallops themselves—but are also protected by law in many areas.
Boaters should avoid running their vessels through shallow waters where seagrass grows. Propeller damage can leave lasting scars that take years to heal. Seagrasses serve as essential habitat and provide food for species such as manatees and green sea turtles. They also help filter and clean the water naturally.
More information on how to navigate Florida’s waterways responsibly can be found at MyFWC.com/Boating under the “Seagrass Awareness” section.
What to Do With Your Shells and Trash
After a successful scalloping trip, don’t be tempted to dump your shells near the shore. FWC urges harvesters to avoid discarding scallop shells in shallow recreational areas, such as near boat ramps and swimming zones. Piles of shells can damage sensitive habitats and create hazards for swimmers.
Instead, place shells in trash bins or deeper water areas where natural dispersion can occur. And just as important: keep your trash securely stored on your boat so it doesn’t end up polluting the water.
A Reminder of What This Season Means
Florida’s bay scallop season is more than just a summertime activity—it’s a cherished tradition that connects communities with the coastal environment. By following the rules, practicing safe boating, and showing respect for marine life, everyone can help ensure that the waters of the Pasco Zone stay clean, safe, and full of scallops for years to come.
For the most up-to-date information, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” then select “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab.
