Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License
Special Notice
Harvest of all wild oysters from Apalachicola Bay is temporarily suspended, and on-the-water possession of wild oyster harvesting equipment (tongs) is prohibited through Dec. 31, 2025. This does not apply to oyster aquaculture operations. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for more information.
To harvest oysters from Apalachicola Bay, you must purchase an Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License.
Apalachicola Bay refers to all waters within St. George Sound, East Bay, Apalachicola Bay, St. Vincent Sound in Franklin County, and Indian Lagoon in Gulf County, including canals, channels, rivers and creeks.
Eligibility
The license is available to both Florida residents and non-residents.
Application and Fees
The Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License is valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. You can apply for a new license from May 17 to June 30. Fees cannot be prorated for licenses issued after June 30.
Fee Type | Amount | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
Annual License Fee for Florida Residents | $100 | May 17-June 30 |
Annual License Fee for Non-Residents | $500 | May 17-June 30 |
Late Fee | $500 | If you purchase or renew your license after June 30, you will have to pay a $500 late fee. Failure to pay the annual fee within the required time period will result in a $500 late fee, before issuance of the license. |
Training
All Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License applicants must complete the Shellfish Harvester Education Training on an annual basis.
Shellfish Harvester Education provides training in sanitary shellfish harvesting, handling and transportation practices. It is designed to help shellfish handlers minimize the growth of Vibrio bacteria and to reduce the risk of associated illnesses.
Training may be completed either at the Apalachicola Shellfish Center or online.
To schedule a training class, call the Apalachicola Shellfish Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (850) 653-8317. The center is located at 260 Dr. Frederick Humphries Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320-1336.
How to Apply for an Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License
- Complete your Shellfish Harvester Education Training. At the end of the course, a certificate of completion will be issued as proof of training.
- Present your proof-of-training certificate, proof of residency, and cash, check or money order for your application fee to the City of Apalachicola, 1 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. The phone number for the City of Apalachicola is (850) 653-9319.
- Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for a Saltwater Products License.
Saltwater Products License
Applicants for the Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License will also need a Saltwater Products License. The Saltwater Products License fee will be waived if you apply between May 17 and June 30.
