The United States’ seafood systems are likely to transition to more farmed production in the decades ahead, mirroring trends seen around the world. Given the shortage of arable land and limited freshwater resources, much of this growth is likely to come from marine aquaculture. Despite its promise, there is considerable social resistance to marine aquaculture, which is stalling development and creating rifts in communities. Part of the challenge is that social acceptance in aquaculture is complex and poorly understood, largely due to limited data. The Florida Gulf Coast is an ideal place to examine these dynamics because there has been increasing interest and attention paid to offshore aquaculture development in the region, and ongoing controversy about a proposed offshore pilot finfish farm. Focusing on communities along the Gulf coast of Florida between Tampa and the Florida Keys, this research uses semi-structured interviews with target stakeholder groups including local government, environmental non-governmental organizations, seafood buyers, commercial and recreational fishermen, aquatic farmers, and academia/extension as well as focus groups with the general public to better understand social acceptance of aquaculture in Florida. These interviews and focus groups examine awareness of aquaculture (broadly and specific to participant communities), the strengths of U.S. aquaculture, barriers to acceptance, and distinctions in acceptance (e.g., by species or gear type). Preliminary results suggest that aquaculture, notably offshore aquaculture, is far less controversial than has been portrayed in the media or public comments on permit applications. This study will provide researchers, farmers and decision-makers with a better understanding of the social acceptability of aquaculture, which could inform and improve aquaculture development throughout the U.S.