Scalloping is one of the most beloved summertime traditions along Florida’s Gulf Coast. If you’ve never been scalloping before, you may be wondering where to go, how to find scallops, and how long the season lasts. That’s where our team at Cape & Coast Premier Properties comes in. We’re sharing everything you need to know about Florida’s scallop season, from the best places to search to tips for finding these delicious mollusks yourself. Spend a perfect summer day out on the water hunting for scallops, then return to your vacation rental to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal made from your day’s catch.
When to Go Scalloping
Scalloping season on the Florida Gulf Coast occurs during the summer months. Dates change every year, so we highly recommend checking the Bay Scallops page from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation for updated information. All of our vacation rentals are conveniently located within the Gulf County and Franklin County scalloping zones, making it easy to enjoy this seasonal adventure during your stay.
2026 Dates
St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: August 16-September 24
Franklin County: July 1-September 24
How Does Scalloping Work?
Scalloping is a fun recreational activity where visitors search for bay scallops in shallow coastal waters. Bay scallops are not allowed to be harvested commercially, so the only way to get them is to dive in and do it yourself.
You can wade and look for scallops directly from the shoreline, but most people choose to take a boat out on the water for the best results. Once you are on the water, you will search shallow areas and seagrass beds until you spot a small fan-shaped shell with electric-blue eyes. Once you’ve spotted one, you will anchor your boat, put on your snorkel equipment, put out the dive flag, and jump into the water to get your mollusks. Grab them with your hand or a small dip net and put them in an ice cooler on the boat.
What You Need for Scalloping
What you need for scalloping all depends on whether you want to go out on your own or on a guided tour. Guided tours are easier, since they provide all the necessary equipment, the boats themselves, and the guidance of a captain who knows where to go. You are also more than welcome to head out on your own, just make sure you have all the necessary gear before you hit the water:
Up-to-date Florida fishing license
Snorkel gear
A mesh bag to put your scallops in.
Dip net if you don’t want to capture the scallops by hand.
Where to Go Scalloping?
St. Joseph Bay is the best place to go scalloping near your vacation rental. The combination of extensive seagrass beds and clear shallow water creates the perfect conditions for bay scallops to thrive. The bag limit here is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person or 10 gallons per vessel.
Scalloping Tours on the Florida Gulf Coast
Skip the guesswork and go scalloping with a local guide at one of these charter companies:
Experience Scalloping on the Florida Gulf Coast
The scallop season in Florida doesn’t last long. Book your getaway with Cape & Coast Premier Properties today and experience this fun summer activity for yourself. After you have secured your scallops, clean them and prepare them in your vacation rental kitchen. It’s the perfect reward after a day on the water. Browse our vacation rentals on the Florida Gulf Coast and find the perfect retreat for your summer getaway!
