**Florida Officials Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting Season**
Florida officials have opened the application process for both commercial and recreational oyster harvesters looking to participate in the 2026 oyster season in Apalachicola Bay, one of the state’s prime areas for harvesting oysters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began accepting applications on Monday, and submissions will be accepted through December 16. The 2026 oyster season in Apalachicola Bay is scheduled to run from January 1 through February 26.
### Commercial Oyster Harvesting Applications
Commercial harvesters interested in participating must obtain a commercial endorsement from the state for the season. This endorsement not only secures their participation for 2026 but also for future oyster seasons. Applications can be submitted online via the state’s commercial licensing system.
There are several requirements for commercial applicants, including:
– Holding an individual or crew saltwater products license
– Possessing a shellfish endorsement
– Demonstrating previous experience with wild oyster landings in Apalachicola Bay between 2012 and 2020
– Being a current resident of Florida
To assist commercial applicants, FWC staff will be available to provide personalized help at the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Apalachicola Shellfish Center, located at 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries St., Apalachicola. Assistance will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days:
– Wednesday through Friday this week
– November 17–21
– November 24–25
– December 1–2
– December 9–10
– December 15–16
### Recreational Oyster Harvesting Permits
For recreational harvesters, the state is offering only 245 permits for the 2026 season. These permits will be allocated through a random lottery system, limited to applicants who meet the qualification criteria.
To qualify for a recreational oyster harvesting permit, applicants must:
– Hold a current recreational fishing license unless they qualify for an exemption
– Be a resident of Florida
Applicants will have the opportunity to rank their preferred harvest reefs. Those selected in the lottery will receive one bag tag valid for the entire season.
The FWC encourages qualified residents to apply early to participate in this highly sought-after oyster harvesting season in Apalachicola Bay.
For more information and to apply, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s official website.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/765073-recreational-and-commercial-applications-for-apalachicola-bay-oyster-harvesting-are-now-being-accepted/
