Florida Breaks Python Removal Record with Innovative New Partnership

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In Tallahassee, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis recently took the stage alongside an imposing 11-foot Burmese python to emphasize the ongoing battle against invasive species threatening the Everglades.

Florida residents are no strangers to python removal efforts. From initiatives by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the annual python challenge, tackling these invasive reptiles is a regular occurrence. Now, a new collaboration has been formed, leading to unprecedented success in reducing python numbers in the Everglades.

Recently, Clearwater police had an unusual task: removing a 5-foot boa constrictor from a woman’s vehicle, a quintessential “Another day in Florida” moment.

Despite not being indigenous to Florida, Burmese pythons have become a dominant force in the Everglades ecosystem. These snakes feed on small creatures like birds and rabbits and have been known to prey on larger animals such as deer and panthers, contributing to their rapid proliferation.

In 2019, a significant initiative was launched to combat this invasive threat. Under the leadership of DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, efforts to eliminate pythons were expanded, engaging the public through the state’s annual python challenge.

Although these activities gained popularity, the impact was initially underwhelming. However, the breakthrough came when the FWC partnered with Inversa last year, a company with expertise in python removal, resulting in a threefold increase in the number of pythons removed.

The Florida legislature approved a $2 million investment in 2025, which the governor hopes will only continue.

“Let’s keep this momentum going. We want to work with the Florida legislature to make sure this funding stays in place,” DeSantis said.

In addition to the Florida Python Challenge, there are other ways people can continue to help control nonnative species such as Burmese pythons. Anyone may remove and humanely kill pythons and other nonnative reptiles at any time on private lands with landowner permission and on 32 FWC-managed lands throughout south Florida.

To learn more, click here.