Closure of Gulf County Zone for 2026 regional bay scallop season

Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the closure of the 2026 recreational bay scallop harvest season in the Gulf County Zone. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County, including St. Joseph Bay.

A summer 2026 survey by FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Joseph Bay showed very low bay scallop abundance. This precautionary closure is intended to increase the chances that existing scallops can produce enough offspring to preserve and support future scallop seasons in the region. FWC will work with the community to identify and implement restoration efforts and will continue to monitor the situation.

While scallop harvesting is prohibited in the Gulf County Zone this season, the area is still open for other recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming.

State waters of Franklin County east of the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island through Hernando County remain open to the recreational harvest of scallops.

For more information and updates, visit MyFWC.com/BayScallops.