Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association

08/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1VoKNGALCa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Franklin County's newest attraction is officially open! 🦀🦐🦪

Step inside the new Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum in Apalachicola and explore the stories, artifacts, and exhibits that celebrate the industries and people who shaped Franklin County. From oysters and timber to steamboats and lighthouses, it's a fascinating look at our maritime past.

⚓️ Read more about the grand opening and plan your visit: https://bit.ly/4fPTOqd

08/06/2026

🚨Funding Opportunity Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Grant now accepting applications August 3rd-17th.

Grants can be used for repair/maintenance of waterfront facilities AND for replacement/repair of equipment.

You must be registered with FDEP grant portal and watch instructional videos to apply.

https://floridadep.gov/lands/land-and-recreation-grants/content/stan-mayfield-working-waterfronts-capital-outlay-smwwco-1

06/30/2026

Today is the deadline to apply for or renew Aquaculture Certifications in the State of FL.

Follow this link for instructions on how to apply. Franklin county shellfish farmers see post below on local support being offered.

https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Aquaculture/Aquaculture-Certificate-of-Registration

04/25/2026

Come out and see us today at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab Open House. We are teamed up with Rattlesnake Rubies, they are shuckin’ and we are educating folks about the importance of shellfish aquaculture in FL.

03/30/2026

Governor DeSantis signed into law HB 7011 which keeps certain aquaculture records held by FDACS confidential. Specifically it prevents shellfish production and processing data, aquaculture production records and receipts, and audit records and supporting documents tied to submerged lands from being automatically released under the Open Government Sunset Review Act.

One new law creates a statewide Parkinson's disease registry to track cases, improve care and support research.

02/25/2026

USDA/FDACS Disaster Relief Block Grant Application is NOW OPEN. Aquaculture is eligible for Infrastructure grants.

https://blockgrant.fdacs.gov/en-US

Damaged infrastructure must have been impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and/or Milton in calendar year(s) 2023 and/or 2024 and be located in a designated county.

Here’s what else we know:
-The applications are processed on a first come first served basis so get your applications in early.
-Maximum reimbursement per applicant is capped at $525,000 and eligible expenses will be reimbursed at 35% of total verified damages.
-Aquaculture is not eligible for market loss grants
-ALL applicants must be registered with My Florida Marketplace.

If you need help accessing the portal or with the application you can call: 850-688-1220

The State of Florida, in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, is preparing a disaster block grant program to support agricultural producers recovering from recent hurricane-related losses. If your operation experienced damage or loss during the 2023 or 2024 hurricane seasons...

02/19/2026

This program is a statewide program intended to develop a pipeline of skilled workers for our growing shellfish industry while supporting existing shellfish farms. The program will pair interns/apprentices with farms to learn through hands on experience the skills required to be successful in shellfish aquaculture. It is currently funded in the first draft of the House Budget but will have to work through reconciliation with the Senate and be signed by the Governor.

Wakulla County oyster farmers are working to secure $500,000 from state lawmakers in Florida for an apprenticeship program that would address the industry workforce shortage.

02/14/2026

🚨Disaster Relief Block Grants for Aquaculture applications open February 25, 2026

Meant to provide financial support to help producers rebuild, restore operations, and return to full production after the most recent Hurricanes. Aquaculture producers are eligible for infrastructure grants.

Impacted infrastructure must have been impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and/or Milton in calendar year(s) 2023 and/or 2024 and be located in a designated county.

Here’s what else we know:

-If you received a state disaster relief loan from one of these storms you are STILL eligible to apply for this grant
-Maximum reimbursement per applicant is capped at $525,000 and eligible expenses will be reimbursed at 35% of total verified damages.
-Aquaculture is not eligible for market loss grants
-ALL applicants must be registered with My Florida Marketplace.
-The applications are processed on a first come first served basis so get your applications in early.

Follow link for Eligibility Requirements including Approved Counties.

https://blockgrant.fdacs.gov/en-US

We will continue to update you as more information is provided.

The State of Florida, in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, is preparing a disaster block grant program to support agricultural producers recovering from recent hurricane-related losses. If your operation experienced damage or loss during the 2023 or 2024 hurricane seasons...

01/24/2026

We had a great time!! Thank you for supporting Florida shellfish farmers!