oyster harvester education requirement takes effect this year

To all Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License Holders:

A new requirement has been mandated for attaining an Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License. Before a license can be issued an authorized educational training program must be completed. This training will be available at the Shellfish Center located at 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street in Apalachicola beginning April 1^st.  The training will be held 3 days a week, Tuesday through Thursday at 3 pm. Upon completion of the training, a proof of training will be issued.  This proof must be submitted, along with your check or money order, in order to receive your Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting license. No license will be issued without this certificate.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will begin selling the Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License on Monday, May 19^th, 2014.  You must purchase this license in order to harvest oysters from the Apalachicola Bay System beginning July 1, 2014.  The cost of the license remains at $100.00. Please bring a check or money order for this amount made payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (F.D.A.C.S).  As a public service we are also selling the Saltwater Products License (SPL) in conjunction with the Apalachicola Bay oyster harvesting license.  You will receive your SPL upon purchase of your oyster harvesting license.

If you renew your 2014 license after Monday, June 30, 2014, you will have to pay an additional $500.00 late fee. Please come to the Apalachicola Shellfish Center at 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street in Apalachicola, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00 pm, from May 19^th through June 30^th, to renew your license. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of your license you may call the Shellfish Center, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00 pm, at (850) 653-8317.

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