PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County is finalizing preparations for its upcoming bay scallop season, which is officially scheduled to run for 40 days this summer. The season kicks off on July 10 and will conclude on August 18, drawing a mix of local residents and out-of-town visitors to the region’s Gulf waters.
Tourism officials note that the season represents a significant seasonal event for the area. “Scallop season brings an unmatched sense of adventure to Florida’s Sports Coast, giving visitors the chance to dive into the Gulf, explore our waters, and experience one of Pasco County’s most unforgettable summer traditions,” said Executive Director Adam Thomas.
To accommodate the influx of participants, Florida’s Sports Coast—the county’s official tourism office—is connecting novice and experienced scallopers with local maritime guides and licensed charter boat companies that offer guided excursions.
State and local wildlife authorities have put specific regulations in place to ensure a sustainable harvest. Harvesters are only permitted to collect the scallops by hand or by using a standard dip net.
The daily catch limits are divided by individual and vessel. A single person can harvest up to two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or one pint of shucked scallop meat per day. For groups traveling together on a watercraft, the daily boat limit is capped at 10 gallons of whole scallops in the shell, or a maximum of one-half gallon of shucked meat.
Safety enforcement will also be active during the 40-day window. Officials remind all participants that they are legally required to prominently display a diver-down flag while anyone is in the water to alert nearby boat traffic.
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