SCALLOP SEASON OPENS EARLY AND CLOSES LATE!! News Release
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Media contact: Lane Wright (EOG), 850-488-5394;
Susan Smith (FWC), 850-488-8843;
Kristin Lock (DEP), 850-245-2112

Florida is the fishing capital of the world, bringing more than $5.4 billion to our economy. Today at the Cabinet meeting in Panama City with the support of Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced an exciting resource for anglers.
FWC announced two weekends in June when a saltwater fishing license will not be required statewide. The license-free weekend of June 4 and 5 is the first weekend red snapper season opens in the Gulf, and the second weekend of June 18 and 19 is Father's Day weekend.
FWC also announced that it will expand bay scallop season to open a week early, on June 25, and extend the season by two weeks to end on Sept. 25. Small Gulf Coast communities from Steinhatchee to St. Marks to St. Joe Bay will have three extra weeks for visitors and residents to explore and enjoy this low cost, fun family activity.