BAY SCALLOP SEASON IN FLORIDA

These intriguing bivalves reside among seagrass beds and can be easily identified by their vibrant electric blue eyes. Additionally, bay scallops possess a distinctive skill to swim by quickly opening and closing their shells, presenting an exciting challenge for those attempting to catch them!

Historically, these fascinating creatures ranged from West Palm Beach on the Atlantic coast to Pensacola in Florida’s northwest corner. Unfortunately, their range has diminished over recent decades. Once plentiful along Florida’s west coast, bay scallops now exist in isolated populations scattered throughout the area. Most of them happily inhabit nearshore seagrass beds that extend from Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County to Port St. Joe in Gulf County.

These delicate scallops are quite sensitive to environmental changes such as losses of seagrass and fluctuations in freshwater levels or sediment conditions. Significant changes can result in local population collapses, prompting biologists today to closely monitor smaller populations. Each year presents an exciting challenge as local populations must produce enough offspring or receive newcomers from neighboring areas for stability! Given that these captivating creatures typically live only one year, they remain vulnerable yet resilient against periodic population fluctuations—making every encounter with them truly special!

St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County:
Aug. 16-Sept. 24.

Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County
(including Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks):
July 1 through Sept. 24.

Fenholloway through Suwannee Rivers Zone
(including Keaton Beach and the Steinhatchee area):
June 15 through Labor Day.

Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties
(including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa):
July 1 through Sept. 24.

Pasco Zone:
July 10 through August 18.
This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando – Pasco County line and north of Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.

St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County
Aug. 16-Sept. 24.

Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County
(including Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks):
July 1 through Sept. 24.

Fenholloway through Suwannee Rivers Zone
(including Keaton Beach and the Steinhatchee area):
June 15 through Labor Day.

Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties
(including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa):
July 1 through Sept. 24.

Pasco Zone:
July 10 through August 18.
This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando – Pasco County line and north of Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.