Governor Ron DeSantis praises record-breaking success of Florida’s Everglades python removal program and calls for continued funding
Stuart, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has praised the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program for achieving historic success in the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. Speaking on the program’s remarkable achievements, the governor emphasized the importance of continuing funding to maintain momentum and build on the state’s initial $2 million investment in 2025.
“FWC’s partnership with Inversa has supercharged the removal of invasive Burmese Pythons from the Everglades,” said Governor DeSantis. “The new program accomplished more removals in July 2025 alone than in the entire year before. Our $2 million investment in python removal in the state budget has made this partnership possible, amplifying the success of the PATRIC program. We must now build on their achievements and continue investing in this proven strategy to protect the Everglades for many years to come.”
DeSantis’ comments underscore the state’s commitment to tackling one of Florida’s most pressing ecological challenges. Burmese pythons, a nonnative species, pose significant threats to native wildlife. Primarily found in and around the Everglades, these invasive constrictors prey on birds, mammals, and reptiles. With females capable of laying 50 to 100 eggs at a time, the potential for population growth is immense. Since 2000, FWC records show that more than 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed across Florida.
“Governor DeSantis has consistently been a champion for conservation and protecting the Everglades,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our partnership with Inversa and the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program highlights the milestones we’ve achieved against the invasive Burmese Python, which will benefit generations to come.”
FWC Executive Director Roger Young also acknowledged the critical role of state leadership and technological innovation in the program’s success. “The success we are achieving against invasive species wouldn’t be possible without the support of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” Young said. “Thank you to the Inversa team for helping us combat this problem using emerging technological advancements.”
The PATRIC program, established in 2017, has consistently advanced Florida’s efforts to control the Burmese python population. The initiative partnered with Miami-based company Inversa to accelerate python removals, aiming to triple removals over two years. As of July 2025, the program has already surpassed its Year 2 objectives a full year and a half ahead of schedule. Between May and July, PATRIC removed 1,022 pythons, compared to 343 during the same period in 2024. Remarkably, 748 pythons were removed in July alone—exceeding the total number removed in the entire previous year. These efforts have also led to an 89% reduction in FWC management workload and a 60% increase in pay for python hunters.
Since 2019, Florida has taken unprecedented measures to expand the reach of python removal. Governor DeSantis directed the FWC and the Department of Environmental Protection to allow removals from all state parks, opening 135,000 additional acres of land for targeted eradication efforts. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of the Interior approved Florida’s request for increased access to federal lands, particularly in the Big Cypress National Preserve, enhancing opportunities for coordinated conservation efforts.
The Florida Python Challenge has further amplified these efforts by involving the public in hands-on conservation. The 10-day event allows participants to capture and remove invasive pythons, offering tens of thousands of dollars in prizes for those removing the most snakes. This year, 934 competitors from 30 states and Canada collectively removed a record 294 Burmese pythons, providing vital support to Everglades conservation initiatives.
Beyond organized competitions, FWC encourages private citizens to participate in python control and the management of other nonnative species. Anyone with landowner permission may humanely remove pythons and other invasive reptiles on private property or on 32 FWC-managed lands across south Florida. Residents can report sightings of nonnative snakes, tegus, monitor lizards, and other species through the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), online at IveGot1.org, or via the free IveGot1 smartphone app. For more information on invasive species and ongoing control efforts, visit FWC’s Nonnatives webpage.
Governor DeSantis’ emphasis on sustained funding and continued program growth signals a long-term commitment to protecting Florida’s unique ecosystems. By leveraging partnerships with private companies, employing emerging technologies, and involving the public, the state has developed a comprehensive approach to combating the Burmese python threat.
The PATRIC program’s success is not only measured by the number of pythons removed but also by the broader impacts on conservation efforts and ecosystem stability. By reducing predation on native wildlife, the initiative helps preserve the delicate balance of the Everglades, which supports a diverse array of species and maintains critical ecological functions.
As Florida continues to face challenges from invasive species, the success of the PATRIC program demonstrates the power of strategic investment, collaboration, and community engagement. Governor DeSantis’ call for annual funding ensures that these efforts will continue to grow, protecting one of the nation’s most iconic ecosystems for future generations.
“With a combination of innovative technology, skilled field teams, and public engagement, Florida is setting the standard for invasive species management,” Barreto said. “The achievements of the PATRIC program show what can be accomplished when state agencies, private partners, and the public work together.”
The program also serves as a model for other states and regions dealing with invasive species, highlighting the importance of proactive management and comprehensive planning. By combining research, field expertise, and citizen involvement, Florida is creating a scalable and effective approach to controlling invasive wildlife.
Governor DeSantis’ leadership, combined with the efforts of FWC, Inversa, and participating citizens, underscores a commitment to conservation that balances environmental stewardship with public engagement. The Everglades, often referred to as the “River of Grass,” is a national treasure, and the PATRIC program’s record-breaking successes offer hope that Florida can effectively manage invasive species and safeguard its native wildlife for decades to come.
