Crystal River & Homosassa

Status for 2027: not announced. Unless FWC changes it, the standard season of July 1 through September 24 applies.

Standard season: July 1 through September 24

Daily limit: 2 gallons in the shell or 1 pint of meat per person; 10 gallons or 1/2 gallon of meat per boat

Where It Is

State waters south of Alligator Pass Daybeacon 4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River, down to the Hernando-Pasco county line. That's part of Levy County and all of Citrus and Hernando counties.

Like Franklin through northwestern Taylor, this stretch isn't a separately named zone in the rules. It follows Florida's default season.

What Makes It Different

• It's a short drive from Orlando and Tampa. Ramps can fill early on opening weekend and holidays.
• Long season. July 1 through September 24.
• A main fishing ground. Citrus County is one of Florida's three main bay scallop grounds.
• Spring-fed rivers. The Crystal, Homosassa, Weeki Wachee and Chassahowitzka rivers run out to the Gulf here. They make for easy, scenic runs, and they also freshen the water near shore.

Towns & Ramps

Scallop towns here include Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa. Other launch towns include Yankeetown, Ozello, Chassahowitzka, Bayport, Hernando Beach and Aripeka.

Public ramps by area:

Citrus County and Yankeetown:

• Bird Creek Park (Yankeetown)
• Cross Florida Barge Canal ramp
• Fort Island Gulf Beach
• Fort Island Trail Park
• City of Crystal River ramp
• Ozello Fishing Pier
• Homosassa public ramp
• Mason Creek Boat Ramp (small boats)
• Chassahowitzka River Recreational Area (small boats)

Hernando County:

• Bayport
• Rogers Park
• Jenkins Creek Park
• Hernando Beach
• Norfleet Fish Camp (Aripeka)

Confirm access and fees before you go.

Typical Conditions

• Run out past the river influence. Most Hernando scallops are 4 to 5 miles offshore in 5 to 10 feet of water. Water near Bayport and Hernando Beach is less salty because of the Weeki Wachee and Chassahowitzka rivers.
• Shallow, rocky runs. The water between the ramps and the grass can get very shallow. Stay in channels, trim up, and watch the tide.
• Kayaks aren't recommended for reaching the Hernando grounds because of the distance and summer storms.
• Shells: don't dump them in the Homosassa and Crystal rivers, where piles hurt swimmers and damage seagrass.

How the 2026 Season Went

It ran the full season, July 1 through September 24, 2026.

When FWC closed the Gulf County Zone on August 13, 2026, it confirmed that state waters east of St. Vincent Island through Hernando County remained open. No closure order affected this area all season. Just to the south, the Pasco Zone closed August 6 for toxic algae.

What to Expect in 2027

2027 dates haven't been announced. The standard dates are July 1 through September 24. FWC can change or close any season. We'll update this page as soon as FWC announces dates.