2026 Florida Python Challenge™ dates announced with registration now open as officials prepare statewide invasive species removal effort in the Everglades
Florida – Florida is once again preparing for one of its most unusual and closely watched conservation events, as officials announce the return of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™, a statewide effort aimed at removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while raising awareness about the impact of nonnative species on native wildlife.
The competition will officially begin on Friday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m. and run through Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m., giving participants ten days to search for and remove invasive pythons across designated areas in South Florida. Registration is already open and will remain available until the final day of the challenge.
Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, the annual event continues to blend public participation, education, and hands-on conservation work. Organizers say the goal is not only to remove as many pythons as possible, but also to increase awareness of how these invasive snakes have disrupted the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades.
Participants in the 2026 challenge will compete for a total of $25,000 in prizes. The top prize, known as the Ultimate Grand Prize, offers $10,000 to the registered participant who removes the highest number of pythons during the competition period. Additional awards will be distributed across professional, novice, and military categories, expanding opportunities for a wide range of participants.
A major addition to this year’s competition is the return of Everglades National Park as an official partner location. It will be one of eight designated competition areas, reinforcing the park’s central role in ongoing conservation efforts and invasive species control.
Registration for the challenge includes access to required online training, along with educational resources about Burmese pythons and the broader Everglades ecosystem. Organizers also provide optional training sessions and travel planning tools for participants heading to South Florida. Officials say preparation is key, as the terrain and conditions in the Everglades can be challenging even for experienced participants.
Support for the event comes from a range of sponsors and conservation partners. The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida plays a key role in organizing prize funding, while multiple private sponsors contribute additional financial backing. Among them, Platinum Level Sponsor Inversa has donated $10,000 to support conservation efforts tied to the challenge.
Gold Level Sponsors, including Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Mrs. Daphne & Mr. C. Martin Wood III, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, and The Garcia Companies, each contributed $5,000 in support of the initiative. Additional support comes from Silver Level sponsors and Friends of Wildlife contributors, further strengthening funding for the program.
Officials emphasized that the challenge has grown into more than just a competition. It has become a coordinated effort involving government agencies, conservation groups, and members of the public who share a common goal of protecting Florida’s ecosystems from invasive species.
“We are excited to announce the dates for this year’s Florida Python Challenge, which will be our ninth such event to date,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “We look forward to the Challenge each year as a way to raise awareness about nonnative fish and wildlife, while also encouraging the public to get involved in Everglades conservation by removing invasive Burmese pythons. This year’s event is made possible thanks to the continued support of Governor Ron DeSantis and our partners at the South Florida Water Management District, Everglades National Park, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Foundation, as well as our generous sponsors.”
The importance of collaboration was also highlighted by South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron, who stressed the ecological impact of invasive pythons on native wildlife.
“We continue to advance Everglades restoration efforts thanks to the support of Governor Ron DeSantis, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to protect this important ecosystem,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. “Removing Burmese pythons from this ecosystem is critical to the survival of the native species that call this area home. We appreciate our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Everglades National Park as we continue to work together to raise awareness about invasive species. This is a great way for the public to get involved in the protection of the Everglades and I want to thank everyone who is participating in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge. Long live the Everglades!”
Federal and national park officials also underscored the importance of teamwork in managing the Everglades. Park leadership noted that the challenge represents a shared effort across agencies and the public.
“Protecting the Everglades requires strong collaboration across agencies, organizations, and the public,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades National Park. “We are pleased once again to participate in the Florida Python Challenge, which highlights how shared stewardship can contribute to the long-term protection of native species and park resources.”
Last year’s 2025 competition set a new record, with participants removing 294 Burmese pythons over the ten-day period. Since the challenge began, a total of 1,406 invasive pythons have been removed across all events combined. In 2025 alone, 934 participants from 30 U.S. states and Canada registered to take part.
Outside the competition, officials note that python removal is also allowed year-round on 32 Commission-managed lands. In addition, Burmese pythons can be humanely killed on private property at any time with landowner permission, without the need for a hunting license or special permit.
As registration opens for 2026, officials are encouraging participation once again, pointing to both the growing interest in the challenge and the continued need to address the invasive species problem. With conservation efforts expanding and public involvement increasing each year, organizers hope the upcoming competition will continue to build momentum in protecting one of Florida’s most unique and fragile ecosystems.
