The 2026 Florida Python Challenge begins on Friday, July 10, and participants have 10 days to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades and compete for a $25,000 prize.
The annual python removal contest begins July 10 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District.
This year’s challenge will feature an ultimate grand prize of $10,000 to the registered participant who removes the most pythons. Contestants can also win additional cash prizes for the most and longest pythons removed in three categories: Novice, Professional and Military.
A highlight of this year’s event is the return of Everglades National Park as a partner and one of the Florida Python Challenge’s eight official competition venues.
FWC officials said the contest is aimed at raising awareness of invasive species while helping protect the Everglades ecosystem and its native wildlife.
The Everglades is home to a variety of rare and unique wildlife, including native birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles. However, introduced reptiles such as the Burmese python pose a significant threat to native species.
Burmese pythons are primarily found in and around the Everglades ecosystem of South Florida, where they prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. Female Burmese pythons can lay anywhere from 50 to over 100 eggs at a time.
Last year, participants in the 2025 Florida Python Challenge removed a tournament record 294 non-native Burmese pythons from the Everglades. Since the challenge began, participants have removed a total of 1,406 pythons throughout the contest.
The 2025 event attracted 934 registered participants from 30 states and Canada.
Since 2000, more than 27,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the Florida environment, reported to the FWC.
Those interested in participating in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge must complete the required online training at FLPythonChallenge.org. This website also includes educational information about Burmese pythons, the Everglades ecosystem, additional training opportunities, and resources for planning a trip to South Florida for events.
FWC officials said Floridians can also help remove invasive pythons year-round. Burmese pythons can be humanely killed on private land at any time with the permission of the landowner and no permit or hunting license is required. Thirty-two properties managed by the commission also offer year-round python removal opportunities.
For more information about Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com/Python.
