Shellfish

Clams and oysters are the shellfish most commonly produced in Florida. Shellfish farming is a multi-step process that includes production of small seed clams or oysters in a hatchery, rearing of larger seed in a nursery, growout on submerged land leases, and sales at a certified processing facility. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) certifies and inspects shellfish producers and processors.

Licenses and Permits

If you are interested in commercially culturing shellfish in Florida, you must apply for an Aquaculture Certificate of Registration and comply with Aquaculture Best Management Practices [ 714.5 kB ] .

Hatcheries

Hatcheries are typically upland (land-based) facilities. All facilities must be located, designed and operated to minimize environmental impacts and risks to public health. Hatcheries can be operated using a saltwater well or intake pipes from waters of the state. Aquaculturists often grow their own algae to optimize shellfish growth.

Nurseries

Nurseries can be upland or on aquaculture docks [ 805.4 kB ] . They provide the small seed clams or oysters produced in a hatchery with food and protection from predators until they are ready for growout.

Submerged Land Leases

Once shellfish reach the appropriate shell length (16 millimeters for clams and 25 millimeters for oysters), they must be moved to approved waters for growout. The producer's Aquaculture Certificate of Registration number must accompany shellfish being transported from a hatchery or nursery and to and from approved lease areas.

Sale — Certified Shellfish Processing Facilities

When shellfish have reached the preferred size for sale, they are harvested from the leases and sold to a certified shellfish processing facility. FDACS regulates and inspects shellfish processing facilities for compliance with shellfish handling, labeling and food safety requirements. Direct retail sale from the aquaculturist is prohibited.

Technical Assistance

Oysters

FDACS, in cooperation with the University of Florida's Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program, has conducted a series of workshops on oyster culture, which is available on DVD. Topics include intensive oyster culture, gear, suppliers, the industry in the northeastern U.S., and harvesting and marketing. For a copy of the DVD, call (850) 617-7600 or email Denise.Walsh@FDACS.gov.

Shellfish Water Quality Data

To download shellfish harvesting area water quality data files for each area, please see the Shellfish Harvesting Area Information page. 

FDACS and the University of Florida post real-time weather and water-quality updates to help aquaculturists make planting, harvesting and crop-maintenance decisions. For additional information, visit the University of Florida's Online Resource Guide for Florida Shellfish Aquaculture.