Scalloping in Florida
Horseshoe Beach, Best Scalloping Spot in Florida
2023 Scallop Season
The 2023 recreational bay scallop season for Dixie County opens June 15 and will remain open through September 6.
Each summer, hundreds of Floridians and visitors come to our coastal community for the world’s best scalloping. This is a great time to get outside and enjoy the Gulf Coast’s beautiful waters, abundant fishing opportunities and any of the other great attractions we offer.
Boater and scalloper safety
Be safe when diving for scallops. Stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device when scalloping in open water, and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if on a river, inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on a river, inlet or navigational channel must slow to idle speed. For more information, visit MyFWC.com and click on “Divers-down Warning Devices.”
Bag limits and other regulations
Bag and vessel limits throughout the entire bay scallop harvest zone are 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
NOTE: Vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.
Scallops must be landed within the area that is open to harvest and may not be possessed on waters outside of areas that are open to harvest or during the closed season.
There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.
For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.”