Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

Shellfish Processing Plant Certification License

Florida Laws | FAQ | Forms | Related Links | Contact

The goal of the processing plant inspection section is to protect the public health by ensuring wholesome oyster and clam processing through education, inspection, and enforcement. Every firm that purchases oysters or clams directly from fishermen or farmers must have a shellfish processing plant certification license issued by the Department. A shellfish processing plant certification license is also required for firms that repack oysters or clams they purchase from firms possessing a shellfish processing plant certification license. Annually, the firm submits an application for the shellfish processing plant certification license to the Department. Prior to issuing the shellfish processing plant certification license, the Department's health officers will inspect the firm for compliance with Rule Chapter 5L-1, Florida Administrative Code.

Special Activity License to Relay Shellfish

Oysters and clams may be harvested for direct market from waters classified by the Department as Approved and Conditionally Approved. These oysters and clams are deemed safe to consume. Oysters and clams may be harvested by eligible persons under conditions of a special activity license to relay shellfish from waters classified by the Department as Restricted or Conditionally Restricted. These oysters and clams must under go specific treatment prior to being deemed safe to consume. Persons eligible to apply for a special activity license to relay shellfish include persons possessing a shellfish lease, aquaculture lease, or licensed depuration plant. Relaying involves the controlled harvest from Restricted or Conditionally Restricted waters, placing the oysters or clam on a shellfish lease, aquaculture lease or in a depuration facility for an appropriate time period and laboratory analyses of the shellfish to ensure that they have been cleansed to the point that they are deemed safe to consume. Eligible persons may submit an application for a special activity license to relay shellfish to the Department. An application for a special activity license to relay shellfish will be reviewed by the Department according to Rule Chapter 5L-1, Florida Administrative Code. A special activity license to relay shellfish is valid for a maximum of 75 days for shellfish and aquaculture leases and up to one year (expiring June 30) for depuration facilities.

Florida Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are shellfish?
    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture has been given the responsibility to regulate the processing of all edible species of oysters, clams and mussels, either shucked or in the shell, fresh or frozen. Also, the Division is responsible for regulating whole or roe-on scallops intended for sale for human consumption either shucked or in the shell, fresh or frozen.

  2. What is shellstock?
    Shellstock is shellfish that remain in their shells.

  3. What is considered processing of shellfish?
    Processing is the handling, unloading, storing, shucking, freezing, preparing, changing into different market forms, manufacturing, preserving, packing or labeling of shellfish or shellfish products.

  4. Does one need a license/permit to process shellfish?
    Yes! To become a certified shellfish dealer ( shellstock shipper, shucker-packer, or repacker ) one must meet the minimum requirements as described in Chapter 5L-1 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) To obtain a current copy of the code, telephone the Division of Aquaculture at (850) 488-5471 or go to https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=5L-1.

  5. What is a shellstock shipper allowed to do?
    A shellstock shipper is a person who operates a shellstock shipping plant as a certified shellfish dealer, who grows, harvests, buys or repacks and sells shellstock. A shellstock shipper is not allowed to act as a shucker-packer or repacker. A shellstock shipper may also ship sealed containers of shucked shellfish.

  6. What is a shucker-packer allowed to do?
    A shucker-packer is a person who operates a shucker-packer plant as a certified shellfish dealer who shucks and packs shellfish and who may act as a shellstock shipper and/or repacker.

  7. What is a repacker allowed to do?
    A repacker is a person operating a repacking plant as a certified shellfish dealer, other than the original certified shucker-packer, who repacks shucked shellfish into other containers for distribution or sale. A repacker may also repack and ship shellstock. A repacker shall not shuck shellfish.

  8. What does one have to do to become a certified shellfish dealer?
    To become a certified shellfish dealer ( shellstock shipper SS, shucker-packer SP, or repacker RP) one must meet the minimum requirements as stated in Chapter 5L-1, F.A.C.
    • The facility must be located in an area where the planning and zoning board allows this type activity.
    • The building must meet the minimum building codes/standards for structure integrity, plumbing and electrical. It must be built to be vermin proof.
    • The building must have an approved water supply.
    • The building must have an acceptable waste water/sewage disposal system.
    • The employees must have access to toilet facilities.
    • The floors and walls must be constructed so that they are easily cleanable.
    • Facilities must be provided for cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces of equipment and utensils.
    • Lighting must be adequate so those food workers can easily see to process food products and to clean equipment and utensils.
    • Ventilation must be adequate so that condensation doesn't form and drop into food products.
    • Garbage and refuse must be stored so that it does not contaminate food or food contact surfaces. It must be stored so that it does not attract vermin or create a sanitary nuisance. It must be removed from the premises frequently enough that there will be no build up.
    • The premises must be maintained to prevent pooling of water on the property. Dust from driving and walking surfaces must be minimized. Grass and other vegetation must be mowed and maintained to prevent the harborage of rodents and other vermin.

Back to Top

Forms

Please follow the instructions provided below when printing and completing the forms listed.

  1. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print forms. Skip this step if Adobe Reader is already installed on your pc.
  2. Print forms on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
  3. Type or print the entire form in blue or black ink.
  4. Make check payable to: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
  5. Mail check(s) to: FDACS-Aquaculture Certification, Post Office Box 6700, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6700.

Back to Top

Related Links

Back to Top

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:
Richard Hutchinson
E-mail Richard.Hutchinson@freshfromflorida.com
Aquaculture Processing Plant Inspection Program
1203 Governor's Square Boulevard, Fifth Floor
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 410-0867
Fax: (850) 410-0893

Back to Top