01
Recheck the season
Dates and rules can change annually. Use the current FWC page, not a saved screenshot from a previous trip.
Crystal River scalloping guide
Plan a Crystal River
Scalloping Trip
Scalloping mixes boating, snorkeling, wildlife, and a little friendly competition. Safe planning matters as much as finding the first shell.
Updated for the 2026 season
Citrus County scallop season runs July 1 through September 24, 2026.
FWC’s 2026 season includes all of Citrus County, including Crystal River and Homosassa. The daily limit in this region is two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of meat per person, with a vessel maximum of ten gallons whole or one-half gallon of meat. An individual may not exceed the personal limit even when the vessel has room under its maximum.
Rules are date-sensitive. Recheck FWC before every season and again before launching. Harvest is by hand or landing or dip net, and most participants need appropriate saltwater license coverage unless an exemption applies.
Last reviewed August 8, 2026.
Safety on a busy coast
The divers-down flag is essential, not decorative.
Scallopers spread out near the boat while looking through seagrass, which makes them difficult for approaching operators to see. Florida requires a properly displayed divers-down flag or buoy whenever people are partly or fully submerged using a mask, snorkel, or breathing equipment.
In open water, divers must generally stay within 300 feet of the flag and vessels must operate at idle speed within 300 feet. In rivers, inlets, and navigation channels, the distance is 100 feet. Take the flag down before the boat gets underway.
- Display the correct divers-down symbol
- Keep a dedicated boat lookout
- Wear life jackets while underway
- Watch weather and fuel closely
Where to stay
A private dock can simplify the trip, but confirm every boat detail.
A waterfront rental can reduce repeated loading and unloading, give wet gear a clear transition point, and make the non-scalloping hours feel like part of the vacation. It does not replace launch planning, safe navigation, or a check of the boat’s fit at the dock.
Before booking, send the host the vessel’s length, beam, draft, motor type, and trailer details. Ask about water and electrical access, cleaning expectations, overnight docking, tides, and parking. If your group is new to the area, a local scallop charter can remove much of the navigation and equipment guesswork.
- Send vessel dimensions before booking
- Confirm trailer and vehicle parking
- Plan ice and cold storage
- Follow cleaning and disposal rules
Plan it well
A few details make the day easier.
02
Assign a lookout
One alert adult should remain responsible for the vessel, nearby traffic, weather, and swimmers in the water.
03
Protect the grass
Avoid prop scars, careless anchoring, and trampling. Healthy seagrass supports scallops and the larger coastal ecosystem.
Quick answers
Scalloping FAQ
When is Crystal River scallop season in 2026?
For Citrus County, the 2026 recreational bay scallop season runs July 1 through September 24. Always verify the latest FWC notice before travel.
What is the 2026 daily bag limit?
In Citrus County, it is two gallons of whole scallops in the shell or one pint of meat per person per day. The vessel maximum is ten gallons whole or one-half gallon of meat, and no individual may exceed the personal limit.
Is the private dock suitable for my boat?
Suitability depends on the boat and conditions. Send vessel and trailer details to the host before booking and confirm launch, navigation, parking, and overnight docking plans.
Make scalloping more than a day at the ramp.
Come home to a private dock, waterfront evenings, and space for the whole group to reset.