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FWC outlines invasive-species prevention, enforcement and outreach; python, lionfish and iguana programs highlighted
Summary
George Wharton of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reviewed prevention, early detection, enforcement and research efforts against invasive animals, describing risk screenings, undercover enforcement operations, the Python Challenge, lionfish removals and an expanding exotic pet amnesty program.
George Wharton, chief conservation officer at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, told the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government that invasive nonnative species pose ecological and economic risks to Florida and outlined a multipronged approach emphasizing prevention, early detection, enforcement and targeted removal.
Wharton described the FWC's risk‑screening process, saying the agency has completed evaluations for 246 species to help prioritize prevention and management. He outlined enforcement work at ports of entry and long‑term undercover investigations; he said one operation, "Operation VIPER," led to more than 600 charges related to trafficking prohibited reptiles.
Public reporting and community engagement are central components, Wharton said. He highlighted the I\'ve Got 1 hotline and app that allow citizens to report sightings, noting that public reporting has increased substantially. Wharton also described the exotic pet amnesty program: more than 7,000 rehoming requests have been received to date, resulting in over 4,000 adoptions and more than 1,400 approved adopters in 22 states; roughly 500 adopters were recruited through a recent media campaign.
On targeted removal and research, Wharton said the FWC has contractors and volunteers removing lionfish and other species; the agency reports more than 1.9 million lionfish harvested since 2014 and a record 31,744 removed during the 2024 Lionfish Challenge. He also described ongoing python and tegu removal efforts in areas where those species damage native wildlife and nesting habitat, and research partnerships — including a pilot "scout snake" project with the University of Florida to track pythons near sensitive habitats.
Committee members asked practical questions. Senator Berman asked whether iguanas may be killed; Wharton said green iguanas are available for take and may be humanely removed by private citizens without a license, though people must obey trespass and firearm laws and follow humane‑removal guidance. Senator Burton asked which invasive species cause the most harm; Wharton declined to single out one species but emphasized pythons, lionfish and iguanas among the most impactful across ecological and economic measures. When Leader Pizzo asked about a kangaroo incident, Wharton said he could follow up with an update about the animal's status.
Wharton concluded that the FWC will continue prevention work, law enforcement cooperation, public outreach and research to improve detection and management of priority invasive species.
