Fla. Admin. Code R. 68B-27.005 (2026)
Seasons; Open and Closed Periods
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, a person may not harvest or land an oyster from Florida Waters or possess an oyster beginning July 1 and continuing through September 30 of each year.
(2) In Apalachicola Bay:
(a) Through December 31, 2025, a person may not harvest or land an oyster from Apalachicola Bay or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay.
(b) Beginning January 1, 2026:
1. A person may only harvest or land an oyster from Apalachicola Bay or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay beginning January 1, 2026, and continuing through February 28, 2026, provided that at least one public reef is open to the harvest of oysters pursuant to subsection 68B-27.008(3), F.A.C.
2. A person may not harvest or land an oyster from Apalachicola Bay or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay beginning March 1, 2026, and continuing through September 30, 2026.
(c) Beginning October 1, 2026:
1. A person may only harvest or land an oyster from Apalachicola Bay or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay beginning October 1 and continuing through the last day of February of the following year, provided that at least one public reef is open to the harvest of oysters pursuant to subsection 68B-27.008(3), F.A.C.
2. A person may not harvest or land an oyster from Apalachicola Bay or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay beginning March 1 and continuing through September 30 each year.
(d) Apalachicola Bay Harvest Days.
1. During the open harvest season, a commercial harvester licensed pursuant to paragraph 68B-27.009(1)(b), F.A.C., may only harvest, land, or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week. A commercial harvester may not harvest, land, or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay on Saturday or Sunday each week.
2. During the open harvest season, a recreational harvester licensed pursuant to paragraph 68B-27.009(2), F.A.C., may only harvest, land, or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay on Saturday and Sunday each week. A recreational harvester may not harvest, land, or possess an oyster from Apalachicola Bay on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of each week.
(3) In Wakulla, Dixie, and Levy counties, a person may not harvest, land, or possess an oyster from Florida Waters of Wakulla, Dixie, or Levy counties beginning June 1 and continuing through August 31 each year.
(4) A person may not harvest an oyster from Florida Waters between official sunset and official sunrise, as established by the U.S. National Weather Service, except as provided in Rule 68B-27.011, F.A.C., in areas where monitoring stations have been established.
(5) A commercial harvester may not harvest or land an oyster after the required delivery time established in Rule 5L-1.008, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-9-25.
Effective: 12/9/2025.