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Methods of Removal for Burmese Pythons

Allowed methods of removal for Burmese pythons largely depend on location. Details for private lands, Commission-managed lands, and other public lands are below.

  • Private lands: Pythons can be killed on privately owned lands year-round and without a permit with landowner permission and by any method that is in accordance with local laws and ordinances. Check with local law enforcement before using any firearms or other methods that propel projectiles (e.g., bows, air guns, slingshots, blow guns).

  • Commission-managed lands: Burmese pythons and other nonnative reptiles may be killed on 25 Commission-managed lands without a permit by a variety of methods. Some methods are allowed year-round while others are allowed during certain time periods.
    • Hand-held tools such as snake hooks or tongs may be used on the 25 Commission-managed lands year round, without a permit.
    • Methods that do not use an explosive charge to propel a projectile such as machetes, bows, crossbows, slingshots, air guns, pellet guns, and blow guns may be used on the 25 Commission-managed lands year round, without a permit.
    • Firearms as defined by Florida State Statute (790.001 F.S.) and which include but are not limited to shotguns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, captive bolt guns and muzzleloading guns may be used on the 25 Commission-managed lands without a permit during established seasons when specific area regulations permit for their use (e.g., shotguns, but not centerfire rifles, may be used during small game season). Use the links in the list of 25 Commission-managed lands to read the specific area regulations for each property which include season dates and legal methods of take.
    • Traps are prohibited on the 25 Commission-managed lands listed above.
    • Use of motorized vehicles must be conducted in accordance with any applicable state or specific area regulations. Use the links in the list of 25 Commission-managed lands above to read the specific area regulations for each property which include information on vehicle access.
  • Other public lands: Check with the land managing agency to determine what methods of removal are allowed on other public lands.