Longer, 40-day bay scallop season (July 10 - August 18) approved for Pasco Zone

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

At its February 2024 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a change to the bay scallop season for the Pasco County Bay Scallop Zone management region. This regulation change, which goes into effect this year, sets a 40-day season for the Pasco Zone that starts on July 10 and will run through August 18, annually. The long-term season dates were informed by the 2023 post-season monitoring results by FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, along with input received from stakeholders at online public workshops, in-person meetings, and public comments.

The Pasco Zone bay scallop region includes all state waters between the Hernando – Pasco county line and the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.

“Along with moving away from the Independence Day holiday, the longer season will increase both the public’s safety and access to one of our state’s most fun family resources,” said FWC Commissioner Preston Farrior. “There will be many positive impacts for the local communities.”

For current recreational bay scallops regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Scallops.