Florida launched a new edition of the Florida Python Challenge, a ten-day competition that offers cash prizes to those who capture Burmese pythons in authorized areas of the Everglades.

The call has already begun, but registration remains open until July 19, 2026, the last day of the event. The objective is to remove specimens of an invasive species that affects the native fauna of southern Florida.

The main prize is $10,000 for the participant who captures the most pythons. In total, the competition distributes $25,000 between different categories.

Until when can you participate?

The Florida Python Challenge began on Friday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m. and will end on Sunday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that registration will remain open until the last day of the competition.

That means it's still possible to register, complete mandatory training and start competing, although those who register later will have fewer days to hunt for specimens.

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How much money can you earn

The participant who removes the most Burmese pythons will receive the grand prize of $10,000. Rewards are also awarded in the professional, beginner and military categories:

Each participant can only receive one prize. If you qualify for more than one, you are awarded the one with the highest value.

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What is needed to register

To participate you must pay a $25 non-refundable fee and complete an online training. Interested parties must:

Minors under 18 years of age require authorization from their parents or guardians and must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Where can pythons be caught?

Copies removed from any point in the state cannot be presented. Only pythons captured within the areas enabled by the organization are considered valid.

Among the authorized places are sectors of the Everglades, Big Cypress and different wildlife management areas in South Florida. The official website offers specific maps to plan your search.

Participants must also respect the rules of capture and humane slaughter established by the program. Captured pythons must be delivered to one of the checkpoints set up during official hours.

Why Florida hosts this competition

The Burmese python is native to Southeast Asia, but established itself in southern Florida and became a threat to the Everglades.

These snakes can reach large sizes and feed on native mammals, birds and reptiles. The competition seeks to reduce their population and, at the same time, raise awareness about the impact of invasive species.

In the 2025 edition, the winner removed 60 pythons and received the $10,000 prize.

How to register

Registration is done on the official Florida Python Challenge site. There you will find the rules, the mandatory course, the registration form, the maps of the authorized areas and the schedules of the checkpoints.

The competition ends on July 19 at 5:00 p.m., so those who wish to participate must complete the process before that time.

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