Required oyster harvesting seminar begins next week - Oyster harvesting licenses go on sale in May

To all Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License Holders:

Completion of a shellfish harvesting and handling training program is a statutory requirement for attaining an Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License. It is an annual requirement that, 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 7th. The training will be held 2 days a week, Tuesday and Wednesday, at 3 pm. Beginning in May, the training will be held 3 days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at 3pm. Upon completion of the training, a participation certificate as proof of training will be issued.  This certificate must be submitted, along with your check or money order, in order to receive your Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting license. No ABOH 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 18, 2015 through June 30, 2015.  In order to harvest oysters from the Apalachicola Bay System beginning July 1, 2015, you must purchase this license.  The cost of the license remains at $100.00 for Florida residents.  (The cost for non-residents is $500.00 if purchased before June 30, 2015.)  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).  No cash will be accepted.   As a public service, we are also selling the FWC 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 license after Monday, June 30, 2015, you will have to pay an additional $500.00 late fee.

To renew your 2015 license please come to the Shellfish Center beginning May 18th located at 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street in Apalachicola, Monday throughFriday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions regarding the purchase of your license you may call the FDACS office, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at (850) 653-8317.

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