Apply for Apalachicola Bay oyster harvest starting Nov.10 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will start accepting functions for the 2026 business and leisure Apalachicola Bay oyster harvest season on Nov. 10. Those can apply anytime between Nov. 10-Dec. 16, for the upcoming 2026 season, which can run from Jan. 1-Feb. 28.

Commercial Applicants

Commercial harvesters considering taking part within the Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery will need to have a business Apalachicola Bay Endorsement to take part within the business fishery for this season and to safe their participation in future seasons. To obtain the AB Endorsement, a person should apply by means of the net Commercial Licensing System.

To qualify for the AB Endorsement, candidates should possess an Individual or Crew Saltwater Products License and a Shellfish Endorsement (BV), have had earlier Apalachicola Bay wild oyster landings between 2012 and 2020, and be a present Florida resident. All certified candidates might obtain an endorsement.  

If you want help in making use of for the AB Endorsement, FWC workers can be found to assist. In-person help might be offered on the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Apalachicola Shellfish Center, 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street, Apalachicola, on the next dates from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.:

• Nov. 12-14
• Nov.17-21
• Nov. 24-25
• Dec. 1-2
• Dec. 9-10
• Dec. 15-16

Recreational Applicants

There might be 245 Apalachicola Bay Recreational Opportunity Permits obtainable for the January-February 2026 season, and obtainable permits might be distributed by means of a random lottery to certified candidates. To qualify, candidates will need to have a leisure fishing license until they’re exempt and be present Florida residents. Applicants may have the chance to rank their most well-liked harvest reefs, and people who are chosen within the lottery might be given one bag tag for the season. Applicants should apply for the Apalachicola Bay Recreational Opportunity Permit by means of GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

The guidelines for Apalachicola Bay wild oyster harvest will take impact later this yr. The bay stays closed for wild oyster harvest by means of Dec. 31, 2025. For present business and leisure oyster rules, go to MyFWC.com/fishing and click on “Saltwater Commercial Regulations” or “Saltwater Recreational Regulations.”