PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Florida’s Sports Coast is buzzing with excitement as it officially announces the return of its popular annual Bay Scallop Season. Mark your calendars for a 40-day underwater adventure, kicking off on Thursday, July 10, 2025, and concluding on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Florida’s Sports Coast, the official tourism office for Pasco County, is encouraging both visitors and residents to dive into this limited-time summer experience. Scalloping offers a unique opportunity to explore the clear waters and harvest the delicious mollusks, making it a perfect addition to any summer bucket list.
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“Scalloping Season is one of our most favorite times of the year here on Florida’s Sports Coast,” says Florida’s Sports Coast Executive Director, Adam Thomas. “We are excited to welcome visitors and locals back into our waters for the 40-day season and to showcase all of the new offerings available on land here in Pasco County. Book your charter, grab a snorkel, and prepare to dive into the fun!”
Participants in the Bay Scallop Season should be aware of the regulations set forth by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to ensure a safe and sustainable harvest.
Key regulations for the 2025 season include:
- Open Harvest Area: Scallops must be landed within areas open to harvest, specifically all Pasco County waters and Pinellas County waters north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse, including all waters of the Anclote River.
- Collection Methods: Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.
- Daily Bag Limit (Per Person): The daily bag limit is 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of shucked bay scallop meat per person.
- Daily Bag Limit (Per Vessel): There is a maximum vessel limit of 10 gallons of whole scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon of bay scallop meat per vessel, regardless of the number of people on board.
- Divers-Down Flag: A divers-down flag must be properly displayed while in the water. Participants should consult FWC regulations for specific requirements regarding the flag.
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Whether you’re an experienced scalloper or looking to try it for the first time, Florida’s Sports Coast offers various resources, including charter services, to help make your scalloping trip a success. Beyond the water, Pasco County boasts a growing array of land-based activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy during their stay.
Get ready to experience the thrill of the hunt and the bounty of the sea during Florida’s Sports Coast’s 2025 Bay Scallop Season.
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