One of the most enjoyable and busy times for residents and visitors alike here in Citrus County is the annual Scallop Season which begins this year on July 1 and runs through September 24.

2020 Scallop Season begins July 1, 2020!

Harvesters are being reminded of the signs, created by the county, encouraging boaters not to dump scallop shells in the waterways. The discarded shells create a hazard to humans and sea life, along with creating an environment for unhealthy vegetation growth. Here are a few basics to help you enjoy your scallop harvesting experience in Citrus County.

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 to
collect scallops.
           3. It is illegal to possess bay scallops on waters outside open
harvest areas.          
             4. Harvest is permitted by hand or landing or dip net.

Daily Limits: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel. You may harvest scallops only by hand or with a landing or dip net. Scallopers must remain in the legal scalloping area (from Mexico Beach to the Pasco-Hernando county line) while in possession of scallops on the water including the point where they return to land.

For more information, visit both:

Citrus County Visitors Bureau at: www.discovercrystalriverfl.com

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at: www.myfwc.com