Last Updated on April 2, 2024
Summer is the time when the 2024 Florida Scalloping Season officially kicks off. A Florida scallop scooper willing to travel can harvest these tasty little morsels from June 15th through September 24th.
Florida scalloping season officially started on June 15th in Fenholloway – Suwannee and closes on September 24th in Gulf County, Franklin – NW Taylor County, Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties.
The 2024 Florida scalloping season dates are as follows:
- St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: Aug. 16-Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. NOTE: The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area and no scalloping or anchoring is allowed there.
- Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark, and St. Marks): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County.
- Fenholloway through Suwannee Rivers Zone (including Keaton Beach and the Steinhatchee area): June 15 through Labor Day. This region includes all state waters east of Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County and north of Alligator Pass day beacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County. This area has a lowered bag limit from June 15-30. See the bag limit section for more.
- Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters south of Alligator Pass day beacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County and north of the Hernando – Pasco county line.
- Pasco County: July 10 – Aug. 18, 2024. 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.
NOTE: These Florida Scalloping season dates are for 2024 only.
What to Expect on a 2024 Florida Scalloping Season Adventure
Our Authentic Florida Scalloping Adventure in Citrus County
We met our boat captain early in the morning at Citrus County’s Old Homosassa public dock.
With a smile and a hearty “Good Morning,” he instructed our group to step carefully onto the boat and helped us on board with our dive gear in tow.
As we left the dock, it was obvious that we were far from alone. Florida’s scallop season is in full swing, and boats launch to the Gulf of Mexico.
We didn’t miss the excitement in the air. We were heading to one of Florida’s most fertile scalloping grounds.
Out on the Gulf, north of Tampa Bay, there are miles and miles of shallow grass flats. This is where we dove for live scallops that can fit perfectly into the palm of our hand.
The scallops are grayish or orange and are one of Florida’s tastiest seafood delicacies.
For many, this is an annual tradition for families and friends as they gather for fun on the water.
While we slowly motored along the Homosassa River, we passed homes that were undeniably “old Florida.”
Additionally, we passed Shelly’s Fish Market, an old-timey fish shack that sells freshly caught seafood “off the dock.” Next to Shelly’s was a fleet of weather-beaten fishing vessels.
In the distance were rows of stacked stone crab traps. We also passed brightly colored “fish camp” homes with screened porches, painted buoys, and fishnets draped over fences.
There was no question that this community was all about being “on” or “in” the water.
Monkey Island at Homosassa, Citrus County
As the homes faded away, the landscape began to become more natural. After all, this area is known as the Nature Coast.
We cruised through a labyrinth of marshes dotted by islands of the state tree, the Sabal Palm.
This Florida wilderness is distinctly unique, with its undeveloped wild and scenic ecosystem.
We spotted Monkey Island, a tiny chunk of land in the Homosassa River. Monkeys climbed on platforms, swung from ropes, and clambered around the base of a miniature replica lighthouse.
The surrounding water discourages the monkeys from leaving, and a ring of floats and barriers prevents boaters from landing on the island or approaching the animals.
Numerous signs warned us that trespassing or feeding the monkeys was illegal and that the island was also under 24-hour video surveillance.
In the 1960s, Monkey Island was just a jumble of rocks in the river that submerged during high tide, a hazard to small boats.
Dirt was dredged onto the rocks, and the resulting visible lump was made more picturesque with plant life, trees, and a lighthouse.
The monkeys were added later, moved from a nearby wildlife attraction, and have remained a popular draw to the area (in addition to the manatee tours). They are fed twice daily and also have a free run of the island.
Monkey Island is in the process of being renovated. We plan to write an article specifically on Monkey Island when the project is completed.
In the meantime, you can follow their progress on the Historic Monkey Island Facebook page.
As we continued westward along the river, the driver increased the speed and also cranked up the radio. We even had the chance to see dolphins.
Snorkelers swim on the surface looking for scallops
Once on the Gulf of Mexico, spotting the scalloping grounds was easy. A slew of boats were anchored, and dive flags floated nearby while snorkels skimmed the surface.
The sounds of summer fun were in the air – the experience was much like a saltwater tailgate party. One thing was for sure: Everyone was having a great time. It was also a wonderful family bonding adventure.
Boats gather for a day of scalloping
Who wouldn’t be happy out here? The early morning water was picture-perfect, almost glassy, and perfectly calm, without a cloud in the sky and the horizon and sky met seamlessly.
Scallops hide in or on top of the seagrass
Down below, the crystal clear water provided a perfect view of nature’s aquarium, where you could watch billowing pastures of manatee grass interspersed with patches and valleys of sandy bottoms.
The grass was where the scallops were hiding. Often they sat on top of the grass but were easiest to spot where the sand meets the edge of the grass beds.
The captain shut off the engine and allowed the boat to gently drift over the grass beds, as we looked for signs of scallops.
The depth ranges from four to six feet deep. When enough scallops were spotted in one area, the captain anchored the boat so we could begin our first dive.
Snorkelers gear up for a day of scalloping
We put on our diving gear – masks, snorkel, fins, mesh dive bags, and also gloves.
The captain instructed us how to use the ladder or jump into the water while reminding us to swim on the water’s surface, peering below for scallops. Sometimes they were within reach, other times, you had to dive under to grab them.
It was the neon blue eyes that popped through the scallop opening that caught our eyes. We grabbed them and placed the delectable mollusks into our scallop bags.
The experience was akin to a saltwater Easter egg hunt.
It felt a lot like being at an underwater marine museum. We were fortunate enough to see starfish, coral, seahorses, turtles, fish of all kinds – needlefish, pinfish, sea trout, and minnows – and so much more.
As if all of this weren’t enough, we also saw an occasional manatee swim by munching on the grasses on their way to a local spring.
Seagrass beds are very productive ecosystems that support an abundance of sea life.
One of the reasons this area is so ideal for scalloping is the abundance of freshwater springs flowing into the area.
Coastal marshes serve as filters creating a unique ecosystem of sparkling freshwater mixing with the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico, creating fertile seagrasses and prime scalloping grounds.
There’s a Daily Bag Limit
However, be forewarned – scalloping is addictive! The more you find, the more you want. But, there are limits.
Daily Bag Limit:
- Gulf-NW Taylor County and Levy-Pasco County:
- Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat
- Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)
- Fenholloway through Suwannee River Zone:
- June 15-30:
- Per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked
- Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or two pints shucked
- July 1-Labor Day
- Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat
- Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)
- June 15-30:
NOTE: Vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
Once scallops are cleaned, they are placed on ice
Once scallops are brought to the boat, they are placed on ice and cleaned. An oyster knife also helps pry open the scallop and remove the precious white meat.
Many local restaurants will cook your fresh scallops, but call ahead to check
Back on shore, many local restaurants cook the scallops (for an extra charge). It’s best to call ahead and make sure.
Some families often haul grills with them and cook outside their hotel rooms.
You don’t need many ingredients. Just add butter and a little seasoning and you have a scrumptious five-star meal.
What to Know If You Go
- Best Days To Go Scalloping: On weekdays, try to avoid the weekend crowds.
- Scalloping is legal from the Florida Panhandle Mexico Beach Canal around the Big Bend down to Pasco County.
- Possessing bay scallops on waters outside open harvest areas or during the closed season is illegal.
- Legal Gear: Harvest permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net.
- Commercial harvest is also prohibited.
- There is no minimum size limit.
- Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are 1. exempt from needing a license or 2. have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave the bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).
Consult the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation for more information.
Finding a Tour Guide for Florida Scalloping Season:
A complete tour should include snorkeling equipment, ice chests for preserving the catch, and drinks during the trip. Any regular boat tour must also include a fishing license because this is legally required to go scalloping in Florida.
Generally, a scallop tours cost around $350.00 for one to four people for a half-day adventure and $75.00 for each additional person up to six people.
Florida Scalloping Tours
Citrus County
Homosassa Scalloping With Captain Ron
Captain Ron is happy to take you out on a private scalloping tour. You will pay $350 for four people and $50 for each additional person, up to six. This tour will include all gear and a 1-day fishing license.
You have the opportunity to harvest as many as 10 gallons in total. The captain remains on the boat while you are there.
Find out more about booking with Captain Ron on his Facebook Page.
More Citrus County Scallop Charters
- Blue Heaven River Tours: 5380 S Boulevard Dr., Homosassa, FL 34448
- Scalloping in Homosassa: 5297 S. Cherokee Way Homosassa, FL 34448
- Scallop Adventures: 33 Carnation Ct, Homosassa, FL 34446
- Black Pearl Charters and Scalloping: 11671 West Coquina Court, Crystal River, FL 34429
Restaurants in Citrus County that will cook your scallop catch:
- Riverside Bar and Grill: 2035 Pier Dr., Ruskin, FL 33570
- Dan’s Clam Stand: 2315 N Sunshine Path, Crystal River, FL 34428
- Peck’s Old Port Cove: 139 N Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
- Oysters of Crystal River: 606 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34429
Dixie County
Captain Mark
With Captain Mark, you may book a five-hour scalloping expedition. You will pay $500 for up to six people.
You will need a mask, snorkel, fins, and whatever you want to eat and drink for your trip.
Find out more about booking with Captain Mark.
More Dixie County Scallop Charters
- Crystal Sea Charters: 1st Ave S, Steinhatchee, FL 32359
- Fin Action Charters: Steinhatchee, FL 32359
Restaurants in Dixie County that will cook your scallop catch:
- Fiddler’s Restaurant: 1306 Riverside Dr, Steinhatchee, FL 32359
- Roy’s: 100 1st Ave. S, Steinhatchee, FL 32359
- The Shrimp Boat: 110 Co Rd 351, Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648
Gulf County
Doghouse Charters
Doghouse Charters departs from St. Johns Shrimp Co. and lets you enjoy a day out on the water looking for scallops. Pricing can be found on their website.
Find out more on the Doghouse Charters Website.
More Gulf County Scallop Charters
- Perfect Cast Charters: 1311 Mc Clelland Ave., Port St Joe, FL 32456
- Shallow Seas Charters: 129 Hunter Cir., Port St Joe, FL 32456
- Port St. Joe Charters: 502 Monument Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Restaurants in Gulf County that will cook your scallop catch:
- Scooter’s Chicken and More: 405 Baltzell Ave, Port Saint Joe, FL 32456
- Shipwreck Raw Bar: 7008 W. Hwy 98, St. Joe Beach, FL 32456
Pasco County
Fishing Florida Flats
Fishing Florida Flats and Nature Tours offers scalloping tours for groups of up to 4 people for $400. If you have more than four people, you will want to call them.
Learn more from Florida Flats and Nature Tours.
Fishing Florida Flats Address: 6300 Clark Street, Hudson, FL 34667
More Pasco County Scallop Charters
- Flats Snookin Inshore Charters: 7926 Bayview St., Port Richey, FL 34668
- Captain Kurt Scalloping Charters: 1119 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL 34691
Restaurants in Pasco County that will cook your scallop catch:
- Get Hooked Grill: 14333 Crab Trap Court, Hudson, FL 34667
If you enjoyed this scalloping article, check out these recommendations for more Florida fun:
- Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee
- Types of Outdoor Adventure Trails in Florida
- Swim with a Manatee and Experience Authentic Crystal River
- Explore Open Spaces and Vibrant Places in Pasco County
- Authentic Cedar Key – Old Florida Charm
- Florida Lobster Season – 10 Things You Should Know
- 27 Scenic Drives in Florida for Your Bucket List