Governor Ron DeSantis celebrates the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s approval to bring back oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay
Tallahassee, Florida – In a move celebrated by seafood lovers and coastal communities alike, Governor Ron DeSantis hailed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) unanimous decision to reopen the oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay. This decision comes after years of strategic investments and conservation efforts aimed at restoring the bay’s oyster populations, which are vital both ecologically and economically for northwest Florida.
“Apalachicola’s oyster industry has been the cornerstone of Florida’s seafood economy for generations,” Governor DeSantis said. “No place knows oysters better than Apalachicola, which has historically produced more than 90% of Florida’s oysters. I look forward to continuing to invest in restoration activities that support the long-term restoration of Apalachicola Bay and the communities that rely on it.”
The bay’s oyster reefs had experienced a severe decline over the past two decades, leading to the closure of commercial harvesting in 2020. Scientists attributed the downturn to a combination of overharvesting, freshwater flow reductions, and habitat degradation. Since 2019, the DeSantis administration has allocated more than $38 million to expedite the restoration of a sustainable oyster industry. These investments have focused on improving water quality, rehabilitating reef structures, and supporting long-term environmental monitoring.
“The reopening of Apalachicola Bay is the result of the unwavering dedication, hard work, and unifying spirit of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, FWC Commissioners and staff, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Franklin County, the Partnership for a Resilient Apalachicola Bay, the State University System, State Agencies, oyster harvesters and other stakeholders, and the local community,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “This collaborative achievement stands as a testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable resource management, and the long-term vitality of the region.”
Environmental and regulatory agencies, alongside scientists, have worked to ensure that oyster harvesting returns in a way that protects the ecosystem while supporting local livelihoods. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has played a key role in this effort, investing in projects that enhance habitat quality and water conditions throughout the bay. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership and the support of the Florida Legislature, the Department of Environmental Protection and its partners have made great strides towards restoring oyster habitat and improving water quality in Apalachicola Bay,” said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.
“Through careful management and continued investments in restoration activities, Florida is ensuring that Apalachicola’s iconic oysters can once again thrive, now and for generations to come.”
The initiative has drawn praise from regional leaders as well. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and also to hard work from dedicated scientists and project managers at FWC and DEP, we have seen an increase in oyster populations in Apalachicola Bay in recent years,” said Northwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director Lyle Seigler. “It is certainly welcome news for the coastal communities in northwest Florida to learn oyster harvesting will return to the Bay.”
Historically, Apalachicola Bay’s oyster industry has been central to Franklin County’s economy and cultural identity. At its peak, the bay supplied nearly 90% of Florida’s oysters and approximately 10% of commercially harvested wild oysters sold in the United States. The region’s oysters earned a reputation comparable to Maine lobster and Maryland blue crab, drawing culinary recognition nationwide.
The new management plan outlines several critical updates to ensure the sustainability of the oyster harvest. Annual harvest levels will be determined based on reef-specific oyster abundance. The initial commercial season is set for January 1 through February 28, 2026, with subsequent seasons scheduled from October through February. Commercial harvesters must obtain an Apalachicola Bay (AB) Endorsement, and qualified applicants for the first season will establish the participant cap for future seasons. Recreational harvesters will participate through a lottery system with an Apalachicola Bay Recreational Opportunity (ABRO) Permit, and reporting requirements will be enforced for both groups.
Statewide oyster regulations will also be updated, including culling and sorting requirements for commercial and recreational harvesting to maintain industry standards. These measures are designed to preserve oyster populations while allowing safe, sustainable harvesting practices.
Applications for the initial 2026 harvest season will open on November 10 at 10 a.m. EDT and close December 16 at 11:59 p.m. Commercial applicants can apply through the Commercial Licensing System for the AB Endorsement, while recreational harvesters may apply for the ABRO Permit via GoOutdoorsFlorida.
As the oyster industry prepares for its return, the community anticipates economic revitalization and the preservation of a cultural tradition that has defined the region for generations. Governor DeSantis’ support, combined with the ongoing efforts of state agencies, scientists, and local stakeholders, marks a new chapter for Apalachicola Bay. The collaborative approach underscores a shared commitment to both environmental stewardship and the economic sustainability of Florida’s coastal communities.
For more information on the approved changes to oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay and statewide regulations, visit the FWC Commission Meeting agenda at MyFWC.com/About and click on “The Commission” and “Commission Meetings.”
This reopening represents not only the revival of a treasured industry but also a model for balancing economic interests with environmental conservation—a milestone achievement for Florida and a hopeful indicator of the state’s ability to restore natural resources while supporting its communities.
