EXPLORE, DIVE, DISCOVER: 2026 SCALLOP SEASON RETURNS TO FLORIDA’S SPORTS COAST

Pasco County’s Ultimate Summer Adventure, July 10^th – August 18^th, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Natalia Melo, Florida’s Sports Coast | [email protected]

PASCO COUNTY, FL. (06/16/2026) – Florida’s Sports Coast is ready to make waves as the highly anticipated 2026 Scallop Season return to Pasco County from Friday, July 10 through Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

From the rush of diving into Gulf waters to the excitement of spotting scallops beneath lush seagrass, Scallop Season delivers an unforgettable adventure for visitors and locals. Each summer, Florida’s Sports Coast becomes a vibrant playground for boaters, families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts – offering the perfect chance to explore Pasco County’s coastline, discover marine life, and create lasting memories on the water.

“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 Adam Thomas, Executive Director of Florida’s Sports Coast.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Florida’s Sports Coast local guides and charter operations for a seamless day on the water, whether planning a family outing, an adrenaline-filled boating adventure, or a weekend getaway along Pasco County’s coast.

The Pasco zone includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco County line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County.

According to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the following regulations apply during the 2026 scallop season:

• Scallop may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.
• Daily bag limit per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat.
• Vessel Limit: maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallop in shell or ½ gallon of bay scallop meat.
• Divers must properly display a divers-down flag while scalloping.

To support sustainable scalloping efforts throughout the season, complimentary Scallop Sorters will be available for pick-up at The Hacienda Hotel in Downtown New Port Richey. The easy-to-use tool helps scallopers identify juvenile scallops that should be returned to the water, supporting future populations and helping preserve this cherished summertime activity for generations to come.

Florida’s Sports Coast is located in sunny Pasco County, just north of Tampa. Best known for outdoor activities, recreational sports, and family-friendly attractions across land, water, and air, visitors can take part in signature experiences like kayaking, skydiving, ziplining, scalloping (in season), and even feeding giraffes. With convenient access from the Tampa International Airport and major highways, Florida’s Sports Coast is the perfect place to get moving while spending quality time together.

For more information on how to enjoy Bay Scallop Season in Pasco County, visit flsportscoast.com/scalloping.