Gulf County Scallop Season Is Almost Here
Masks, fins and divers-down flags will soon be appearing across St. Joseph Bay as one of Gulf County’s most anticipated outdoor traditions returns.
The 2026 recreational bay scallop season for the St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County Zone runs August 16 through September 24, 2026. The season applies to state waters extending from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County, including all of St. Joseph Bay.
For residents and visitors, scallop season offers an opportunity to explore the clear, shallow waters surrounding Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas and Indian Pass while searching the seagrass beds for Florida bay scallops.
When Is Gulf County Scallop Season in 2026?
Mark your calendar for:
Opening day: August 16, 2026
Closing day: September 24, 2026
Location: St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf County scallop zone
Scallops may only be harvested during the open season. Because temporary closures or safety notices can occur, boaters should check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission updates before every trip.
2026 Gulf County Bay Scallop Bag Limits
The regular daily harvest limits are:
Individual daily limit
Each person may possess:
2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell
or
1 pint of shucked bay scallop meat
Vessel daily limit
Each vessel may possess:
10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell
or
½ gallon—4 pints—of shucked bay scallop meat
The vessel limit does not allow an individual harvester to exceed the personal daily bag limit. For example, two people aboard one boat are still limited to two individual daily limits, even though the vessel maximum is higher.
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How Can Bay Scallops Be Harvested?
FWC permits recreational bay scallops to be collected:
- By hand
- With a landing net
- With a dip net
Commercial harvest is prohibited.
Scallopers commonly use a mask, snorkel and fins to search the seagrass beds before collecting scallops by hand or placing them into a mesh bag.
Do You Need a Florida Fishing License to Scallop?
Most scallopers need a valid Florida recreational saltwater fishing license unless they qualify for an exemption.
Licensing requirements can depend on factors such as residency, age, fishing location and whether the trip is aboard a properly licensed charter vessel. Verify your individual licensing requirements before harvesting.
What Should You Bring Scalloping in St. Joseph Bay?
A successful scalloping trip begins with the right equipment. Consider bringing:
- Mask, snorkel and fins
- Mesh scallop bag
- Landing or dip net
- Properly sized divers-down flag
- Florida saltwater fishing license
- Gloves
- Cooler and plenty of ice
- Drinking water
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- First-aid supplies
- Boat anchor appropriate for local conditions
Keep harvested scallops cool and out of direct sunlight. Many local boaters place them immediately in a cooler after returning to the vessel.
Follow Divers-Down Flag Rules
A properly displayed divers-down flag helps boat operators identify people who are snorkeling or diving nearby.
Scallopers should remain close to their flag, and boat operators should slow down and maintain a safe distance from displayed flags. Before launching, review the current Florida divers-down flag requirements, including the required flag size and placement for vessels and swimmers.
Even in familiar areas, remain alert. Scallopers can be difficult to see when they are lying flat on the surface with only a snorkel visible above the water.
Protect St. Joseph Bay’s Seagrass Beds
Bay scallops depend on healthy seagrass habitat. The grass provides shelter, food and nursery habitat for scallops and many other marine species.
Scallopers can help protect the bay by:
- Avoiding propeller damage in shallow water
- Trimming the motor and idling carefully
- Anchoring away from sensitive seagrass when possible
- Collecting only the amount they plan to use
- Removing fishing line, bags and trash
- Never disturbing marked restoration areas
- Following all temporary closures and posted restrictions
Bay scallop abundance can fluctuate substantially from year to year, and the species typically has a short lifespan in Florida. Responsible harvesting helps preserve the experience for future seasons.
Be Weather Aware Before and During Your Scalloping Trip
Florida’s coastal weather can change quickly, especially during the summer. Before leaving the dock, review the local marine forecast and check for thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, rough water, excessive heat and other hazardous conditions.
Continue monitoring the weather throughout the day. Darkening skies, increasing winds, distant thunder or rapidly changing water conditions are signs that it may be time to return to shore. Remember: if you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be dangerous.
Help keep your Gulf County scalloping trip safe by following these precautions:
- Check the marine forecast before launching.
- Enable weather alerts on your phone.
- Watch the sky and changing wind conditions.
- Never remain in the water when thunder or lightning is nearby.
- Know the safest and quickest route back to the boat ramp.
- Bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection.
- Avoid scalloping alone and share your float plan with someone on shore.
- Make sure your boat has properly fitted life jackets and required safety equipment.
- Postpone the trip when conditions are questionable.
Weather conditions can vary across St. Joseph Bay, even when skies appear clear at the launch. When in doubt, wait for a safer day. The scallops will still be there.
Make Scallop Season Part of Your Gulf County Experience
Scallop season is more than a day on the water. It is part of the coastal lifestyle that makes Gulf County special.
A morning in St. Joseph Bay can be followed by lunch in Port St. Joe, an afternoon near Cape San Blas or a quiet evening along Indian Pass. Visitors return year after year for Gulf County’s boating, fishing, uncrowded shoreline and connection to the water.
Whether you live here full-time, own a vacation property or are considering purchasing a home along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, scallop season offers another way to experience the communities surrounding St. Joseph Bay.
Discover Coastal Living with Port Realty Group
At Port Realty Group, we do more than help clients buy and sell property. We live, work and enjoy the coastal communities we represent.
From Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas to Indian Pass, Mexico Beach and St George Island, our team is ready to help you explore real estate opportunities throughout Gulf County and Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Call Port Realty Group at 850-227-7979
Posted by Billy Joe Smiley on
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