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Every summer, Florida’s Adventure Coast comes alive with the sound of boats being launched at sunrise, snorkels slipping on, and the splash of eager scallopers diving into the Gulf. Scallop Season—running from July 1 through September 24—is more than just an activity on the water. It’s a family adventure – a chance to connect with nature and each other, sharing the joy of discovery and the paradise of the Gulf waters.

If you’re heading out on the water this season, plan ahead with these simple tips, and learn how to turn your scallop harvest into a boatload of summertime memories.

Bring the Right Gear

• What to bring: a reusable mesh bag, snorkeling gear, cooler with ice, reef-safe sunscreen (apply 30 minutes before launch).
• Other great accessories include lightweight UV swim shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses (you’ll see scallops better under glare).

Know Before You Go

• You must carry a valid saltwater fishing license to scallop, unless you’ve booked your trip with a licensed scalloping charter or are otherwise exempt.
• Rules and Limits: Daily bag limits help ensure there’s enough for everyone, year after year. Each person can harvest up to 2 gallons of whole scallops in shell (or 1 pint of meat) per day, with no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops per boat. Note that just because you can take the max doesn’t mean you should. Harvest what you’ll actually cook and enjoy.

Harvest Like a Pro

• Sizing Up Your Catch: To help protect future generations of these sweet, delicate shellfish, it’s essential to harvest only the ones that have reached a certain size. The easiest way to check? Bring along a scallop sorter, which you can pick up at the Hernando County UF/IFAS Extension A soda can also works well as an easy comparison. If the scallop’s shell is too small, toss it back. Every undersized scallop left behind means a better harvest for next year.

Choose Guides Who Care

• Booking a local scalloping charter? Ask if they use scallop sorters and follow best practices for fishing and boating. Many outfitters on Florida’s Adventure Coast do—and they’ll tell you why it matters.

Be Safe on the Water

• When boating, stick to marked channels and have all the necessary safety gear, including life jackets, a first-aid kit, and a dive flag to signal your presence to other boaters. Stay within 300 ft of your divers-down flag in open waters and check the weather before heading out.

Leave It Better Than You Found It

• Bring a reusable water bottle, stow your trash, and avoid damaging fragile seagrass beds with the boat motor. Even the smallest action helps preserve the underwater landscape that scallops depend on.

Ice, Clean & Chill

• You can store your caught scallops while boating by handing in a bag alongside the vessel, ensuring it is fully submerged, or storing them in a cooler with ice. If using a cooler, make sure to place the scallop over a damp towel above the ice and drain the meltwater from your cooler occasionally.
• Follow these steps for how to clean a scallop.

More great tips for scalloping can be found here.

Cook It Up: Simple and Scrumptious

After a day on the water, nothing beats the satisfaction of cooking up your fresh catch. Bay scallops are sweet, tender, and incredibly versatile—whether you keep it simple or elevate your plate. Here are two easy-to-master recipes that bring the flavor of Florida’s Adventure Coast straight to your table.

• Pan-Seared Perfection

For a quick and satisfying meal, pan-seared scallops are hard to beat. Start by gently rinsing and thoroughly patting your scallops dry with paper towels—this step is key to getting that golden crust. In a skillet, heat a blend of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add a few crushed garlic cloves for aroma, then place the scallops in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan.

Sear for about 1 to 1½ minutes per side—just until they’re firm, opaque, and caramelized on the outside. A light sprinkle of sea salt and lemon juice is all you need. Serve over a summer salad, risotto, or creamy grits for a coastal-inspired dinner that’s as fresh as the sea breeze.

• Bacon-Wrapped Bites

Looking for something indulgent and crowd-pleasing? Try bacon-wrapped scallops. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wrap each scallop with half a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. (Tip: partially cook the bacon beforehand so it crisps up without overcooking the scallops.) Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp, and the scallops are just opaque.

For a finishing touch, brush them with a light maple glaze or serve with a citrusy aioli. These make an impressive appetizer—or the perfect pairing with a glass of local wine or craft brew from one of our local distilleries.

Scalloping may be the highlight of summer on Florida’s Adventure Coast, but it’s just the beginning of the adventure. When you’re not snorkeling for scallops, you can paddle along the Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail, explore winding rivers by kayak, cast a line for redfish and snook, or spend the day boating across calm Gulf waters. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the catch or soaking in a golden sunset from the water, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature and make lasting memories. So come for the scallops—and stay for the adventure.