Florida officials are now accepting applications to begin harvesting oysters in one of the best areas for snagging the shellfish.

Commercial and recreational oyster harvesters for Apalachicola Bay can begin applying for the 2026 season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ( FWC ) started accepting applications Monday and they’ll continue taking those submissions through Dec. 16.

The 2026 oyster season in Apalachicola Bay runs from Jan. 1 through Feb. 26.

Any commercial harvesters that want to participate in the Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery have to obtain a commercial endorsement from the state for the season. It secures their participation for future seasons as well, and any commercial interests can apply online through the state’s commercial licensing system

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