Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association

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!

01/23/2026

Thank you to all the amazing community partners that are helping make Toast to the Coast possible. We can’t wait to see you tonight!

Tickets are STILL available at the door until they run out!

01/23/2026

🦪We are so excited to see everyone at Toast to the Coast tonight! We have officially SOLD OUT of our online ticket sales but we don’t want y’all to miss out on these oysters and clams so we’ve decided to open up 40 more tickets at the door tonight.

There will be 10 VIP tickets and 30 general admission. First come First served beginning at 5 pm. 🔥

Thank you all so much for your support of this inaugural event! Our shucking knives are ready and we can’t wait to share our Florida farm raised shellfish with you!🍻

01/20/2026

🔥Tickets are going Fast for Toast to the Coast! We have 30 VIP experience tickets left. We can’t wait to see you on Friday at Proof for tasty shellfish, good music and great community.

Get your tickets now!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toast-to-the-coast-tickets-1872033876719

01/16/2026

Love oysters, clams, craft beer and ? Then don't miss out on the INAUGURAL "Toast to the Coast: A Florida Shellfish Experience!"

On Friday, January 23rd, join us for this ONE-OF-A-KIND event that showcases Florida's aquaculture farming industry at Proof Brewing (1320 S. Monroe) from 6-9 pm. This is an incredible event featuring 18 clam and oyster farms from across the state, all converging on Tallahassee for one EPIC evening!

Check out this article in the Tallahassee Democrat that breaks down the event - then make plans to come to come to Proof next Friday!

You can experience this event two different ways:

GENERAL ADMISSION "Shellfish Passport"- $30:
- Passport to sample a dozen different kinds of clams and/or oysters from across Florida
- 1 drink ticket for a full, 16 oz pour of Proof's first-ever Oyster Stout

Orrrrr ... you can go the VIP "Pearl Experience" route for $100, which includes:

- Unlimited oyster and clam samples from 18 different farmers
- Early entry at 5 pm
- VIP lane to skip lines
- 1 drink ticket for a full 16 oz pour of Proof's first-ever Oyster Stout
- Commemorative VIP tasting glass to sample up to 4 additional Proof beers of your choice
- Access to private Proof bar
- Access to private outdoor Proof patio
- Automatic entery into our event raffle to win amazing prizes, like an Oyster Farm Tour by TAB Oysters

The proceeds of this event benefit the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association, which works year-round to support and advocate for the state's shellfish farming community.

Check out the Tallahassee Democrat article below to learn about the backstory of Toast To The Coast - or just click the ticket link and lock in those tickets ASAP before it sells out!

🦪: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toast-to-the-coast-tickets-1872033876719

The Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association teams with Proof Brewing for a "Toast to the Coast featuring 16 local oyster and clam farmers.

01/09/2026

In 2 weeks we kick off Toast to the Coast at Proof Brewing Company! Thank you to the Tallahassee Democrat for today’s feature on our inagural event with Florida shellfish farmers and Tallahassee Beer Society for helping tell our story!

VIP and General Admission Tickets are still available! Cant wait to see you there!

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/entertainment/things-to-do/2026/01/08/proof-opens-doors-for-oyster-feast-at-toast-to-the-coast/88053595007/