Registration is now open for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, the annual competition that invites participants to help remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while competing for a share of $25,000 in prize money. The 10-day event will run from July 10 through July 19.
Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District, the challenge is designed to raise awareness about invasive species while encouraging the public to participate in Everglades conservation efforts.
The Burmese python, native to Southeast Asia, has become one of Florida’s most problematic invasive species. Since becoming established in the Everglades, the giant snakes have preyed on native mammals, birds, and reptiles, disrupting the delicate balance of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Participants can compete in either the Novice or Professional divisions. Professionals are individuals currently contracted by state agencies to remove pythons, while everyone else competes in the Novice category. Awards are given for removing the most pythons and capturing the longest python, with additional prize categories available for veterans and active-duty military members.
The competition’s top prize is $10,000 for the participant who removes the most pythons during the event. In total, organizers are offering $25,000 in prize money.
Before entering the challenge, participants must register online and complete mandatory training covering safe and humane python removal techniques, competition rules, and species identification. Officials say the training is intended to prepare first-time participants while ensuring public safety throughout the event.
Everglades National Park is once again participating in the challenge as one of the official competition locations. Registered participants who meet additional requirements may be authorized to search for pythons within designated areas of the national park during the event.
The Florida Python Challenge has become one of the state’s most unique conservation initiatives, attracting participants from across the United States and beyond. While the competition offers cash prizes, wildlife officials emphasize that its primary goal is education and public awareness about the ongoing threat invasive species pose to Florida’s native wildlife.
The competition comes as researchers and conservation groups continue to battle with the growing python populations across South Florida. Recent removal programs have reported record numbers of invasive snakes being captured, highlighting both the scale of the problem and the importance of continued management efforts.
Those interested in participating can register HERE and access materials HERE.
