Removing Pythons in Florida

Hunting pythons

During established hunting seasons, licensed hunters can remove pythons and other conditional reptiles (snakes and lizards) from Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Rotenberger WMA, Holey Land WMA and Big Cypress WMA. To participate in removing pythons during established hunting seasons, a hunting license and wildlife management area permit are required by state rule and statute, plus any additionally required permits or stamps, depending on the season (muzzleloading permit, quota hunt permit, duck stamp, etc.).

While not required, FWC encourages hunters to report all harvested pythons. Reports can be made online or by calling, toll-free, 866-392-4286. Conditional reptiles such as pythons must be euthanized by hunters on site. Hunters may sell the hide and meat (Note: Burmese pythons from Everglades National Park have been found to have very high levels of mercury and may not be recommended for human consumption), thus providing a type of "bounty."

Python Permit Program

FWC issues python permits for capturing pythons on Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Rotenberger WMA and Holey Land WMAa outside hunting season. Permit holders may also capture pythons on certain properties managed by the South Florida Water Management District. Applicants must be Florida residents, possess a digital camera and GPS unit, and have experience capturing wild snakes, handling aggressive snakes and working in remote areas.

Permit holders may sell the hide and meat (Note: Burmese pythons from Everglades National Park have been found to have very high levels of mercury and may not be recommended for human consumption), thus providing a type of compensation.

All conditional reptiles and tegus may be taken under this permit. The snakes can be captured by hand, with nets or snares, or with firearms on some properties. Pythons may be euthanized onsite by humane methods, deposited at a veterinary office for euthanizing by a veterinarian, deposited with approved recipients for euthanization or transported to an approved facility to be used in research. All python removal permits expire Dec. 31 each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicant Requirements:

Be Florida resident
Possess a digital camera and a GPS unit
Have experience capturing wild snakes
Have experience handling large constrictors
Be knowledgeable about proper and humane methods of euthanizing reptiles
Have experience working in remote areas

Permit Requirements:

Photograph and mark GPS locations of captured snakes
Photograph and describe stomach contents of euthanized snakes
File reports with the FWC within 36 hours of capture

How to apply

Application

Nuisance python trappers

Nuisance trappers may trap and humanely euthanize pythons on private property without a permit (landowner permission is required). Trappers that wish to transport live pythons captured on private lands to a veterinary facility to be euthanized or to a licensed facility need to obtain a conditional species permit for transport only. This permit does not allow for possession of the python, but does allow the animal to be transported to an approved destination. Applications are available online at on the Conditional, Prohibited or Nonnative Species permit page. Pythons captured on private lands may not be released. For more information on wildlife assistance and nuisance wildlife, visit our Wildlife Assistance/Nuisance Wildlife website.

Burmese Python Information

Burmese pythons in Florida