Florida Python Challenge returns this July with cash prizes and a renewed effort to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades

Florida – One of Florida’s most unusual conservation events is set to return this summer, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife managers, veterans, professional hunters, and first-time participants in a shared effort to address one of the state’s most persistent environmental challenges.

The 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ will officially begin on July 10 and continue through July 19, giving registered participants ten days to search for and remove invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida. Beyond the competition itself, organizers say the event serves a larger purpose: raising public awareness about invasive species and their impact on Florida’s unique ecosystems.

Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District, the annual challenge has grown into one of the state’s most recognizable conservation initiatives. Participants compete for a share of $25,000 in prize money while helping wildlife officials reduce the population of Burmese pythons in and around the Everglades.

The competition opens at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 10, and concludes at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Registration remains available through the final day of the event, giving interested individuals ample opportunity to take part.

At the center of the challenge is the Ultimate Grand Prize, a $10,000 award that will go to the registered participant who removes the highest number of pythons during the competition period. Additional cash prizes will be awarded for both the greatest number of pythons removed and the longest python captured in three separate divisions: novice, professional, and military.

Read also: Attorney General James Uthmeier signs emergency rule immediately classifying dangerous 7-OH and related compounds as Schedule I controlled substances in Florida

This year’s competition also marks the return of Everglades National Park as an official partner and one of eight designated competition locations. The inclusion of the park provides participants with another opportunity to contribute directly to conservation efforts within one of the nation’s most significant and ecologically sensitive landscapes.

Organizers encourage anyone interested in joining to visit the official Florida Python Challenge website, where registration and required online training are available. Educational resources covering Burmese python biology, Everglades ecology, safety information, and trip-planning tools are also provided to help participants prepare for the event.

The challenge has steadily gained attention over the years, attracting participants from across the United States and beyond. The 2025 competition set a new event record when participants collectively removed 294 invasive Burmese pythons during the ten-day challenge.

That achievement pushed the cumulative total of pythons removed through all Florida Python Challenge competitions to 1,406. Interest in the event has continued to expand as well. Last year, 934 people representing 30 states and Canada registered to participate, demonstrating how conservation-focused competitions can draw widespread public engagement.

The Burmese python remains one of Florida’s most problematic invasive species. Native to Southeast Asia, the snakes were introduced to Florida decades ago and established breeding populations in the wild. Today, they are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem, where they prey on birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Wildlife experts have long expressed concern about the impact these large constrictors have on native species. Their ability to thrive in South Florida’s climate, combined with their impressive reproductive capacity, has allowed populations to expand rapidly over time. A single female Burmese python can lay anywhere from 50 to more than 100 eggs in one nesting cycle, making population control a continuing challenge.

Since 2000, more than 27,000 Burmese pythons have been reported as removed from Florida’s environment, highlighting the scale of ongoing management efforts.

While the annual challenge receives significant attention, officials note that python removal opportunities are available throughout the year. The FWC offers year-round removal programs on 32 Commission-managed properties, providing trained individuals with additional opportunities to help reduce invasive snake populations.

Read also: Pembroke Pines to host Dive-In Movie watch party in the pool featuring family-friendly entertainment under the summer night sky at Academic Village Pool

The agency also reminds residents that Burmese pythons may be humanely killed on private property at any time with permission from the landowner. No hunting license or special permit is required for those removal efforts.

As the countdown to July continues, organizers hope the 2026 Florida Python Challenge will not only attract competitors eager to test their skills but also educate more people about the importance of protecting Florida’s native wildlife. With thousands of dollars in prizes available and conservation goals at the forefront, the event once again combines competition and environmental stewardship in a uniquely Florida way.
For more information on Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com/Python.