The 2026 scallop season
Season's over. See you in 2027.
Florida's 2026 bay scallop season is over in all 5 zones. Pasco (Hudson) closed early on Aug 6 after a toxin-producing alga turned up. Gulf County (Port St. Joe) did not open in 2026 because scallop counts were very low. 2027 dates go up here as soon as FWC confirms them.
Seasons can change on short notice.Double-check with FWC before you go ↗
Port St. Joe& Cape San BlasGulf County zoneNo 2026 seasonLow scallop countsNoneharvest closed for 2026Closed
Carrabelle& St. MarksFranklin-NW Taylor zoneJul 1 to Sep 24Ran full season2 gallonswhole, per person · 10 per boatSeason over
Steinhatchee& Keaton BeachFenholloway-Suwannee zoneJun 15 to Sep 7Ran full season2 gallonswhole, per person · 10 per boatSeason over
Crystal River& HomosassaLevy-Citrus-Hernando zoneJul 1 to Sep 24Ran full season2 gallonswhole, per person · 10 per boatSeason overClosed early · toxic algae
Hudson& Port RicheyPasco zoneJul 10 to Aug 6Was Aug 18Noneharvest closed for 2026Closed early
Limits, license and flag rules are on the rules page.
What Changed
Closed for the season
St. Joseph Bay won't open
Port St. Joe, Aug 13, 2026
A summer survey found very few scallops in St. Joseph Bay, so FWC canceled the Aug 16 opening for all of 2026.
Closed early
Pasco closes 13 days early
Hudson, Aug 6, 2026
FWC found a toxin-producing alga above shellfish safety limits and closed the rest of the season. Cooking does not destroy the toxin.
Opened
Pasco opens on schedule
Hudson, Jul 10, 2026
Usual limits: 2 gallons whole per person, 10 gallons per boat.