When

Registration opens

Feb 18 2026

8:00 AM EST

Registration ends

May 10 2026

11:55 PM EST

Registration Cost

$ 85.00

per player

Click here for fee schedule

Where

Get Directions

Englewood Sports Complex - Sarasota, Florida

1300 South River Road

Englewood, FL, 34223

Tournament Description

2026 Powerball FLORIDA State Championship Series Presented by the Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball comes to Sarasota, Florida. This is the LAST qualifying tournament in Florida for the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Players do NOT need to be residents of the state in which they compete.

WHICH STATE HAS THE BEST PICKLEBALL PLAYERS IN 2026?

This premier amateur-only series gives players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to compete for state pride, national recognition, and qualification for the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Medalists from each state advance to the Champions Division, where the best amateur players in the country compete for pickleball supremacy.

WHY PLAY IN THE 2026 POWERBALL AMATEUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES?

This series offers a unique opportunity to compete on a nationally unified stage while maintaining an inclusive, community-driven environment. Players can showcase their skills, represent their state, and connect with competitors nationwide. The season culminates at the 2026 World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

CHAMPIONS DIVISION – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION

• Gold Medal – Free Registration*

• Silver Medal – 50% off Registration*

• Bronze Medal – 25% off Registration*

*Discount applies to registration only. Event fees and other checkout fees are not discounted.

SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL – STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Southern Pickleball hosts State Championships across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Virginia, with Arkansas and Texas being added in 2026.

All medalists at Southern Pickleball–hosted State Championships will also receive an invitation to the 2026 Southern Championships, held January 2027 at Rhythm & Rally Sports and Events in Macon, Georgia.

VISIT SARASOTA

Sarasota is set along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Sarasota area is a lively coastal community with award-winning beaches, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and year-round sunshine. It offers a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe you won’t find anywhere else.

To explore everything the area has to offer,

<a href="https://www.visitsarasota.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click HERE</a>

to Visit Sarasota.

See you on the courts soon!

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SCHEDULE OF PLAY

• Friday – May 15th: Women’s Singles / Men’s Singles / Junior Singles

• Saturday – May 16th: Women’s Doubles / Men’s Doubles / Junior Doubles

• Sunday – May 17th: Mixed Doubles / Junior Mixed Doubles

Schedules are subject to change. Final start times will be posted prior to the event.

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REGISTRATION FEES

• Includes up to two events

• Early Bird: $70 – February 18th through March 15th

• Regular: $85 – March 16th through May 10th

• Late: $95 (Begins May 11th)

• Additional events: $30

FREE SHIRT DEADLINE: MAY 3rd AT 11:55 PM

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DIVISIONS OFFERED

Men’s, Women’s, Mixed Doubles & Singles + Junior Events

Skill Levels (DUPR Required)

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0+

Age Groups

Juniors: 10U | 12U | 14U

Adults: 15+ | 35+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+

Age determined as of 12/31/2026.

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MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKETS

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.

• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.

• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed to create playable divisions.

• If brackets are combined, medals and 2026 World Championships qualification will be awarded based on the original registered division.

TEAMS MUST:

• Play at the skill level of the higher-rated player, and

• Play in the age group of the younger player.

RATINGS (DUPR)

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events

• All matches will be reported to DUPR

• It is each player’s responsibility to verify match scores promptly.

• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate.

• After registration closes, all player ratings will be reviewed.

• Players whose updated DUPR rating (50%+ reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved up.

• Players with DUPR reliability below 50% may appeal to play in a lower division.

• Players must initially register in the division allowed by their current DUPR rating.

• Appeals must be submitted via email to info@southernpickleball.com before registration closes.

• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal.

PARTNER POLICY

• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”

• Selected partner must register within five (5) days of first player’s registration.

• Failure to do so will result in waitlist placement.

• Once the partner registers, the team moves to active list if space available.

• Registration not guaranteed until both players registered and fees paid.

• Selecting “Need a Partner” does not guarantee tournament will find a partner.

• Players without partners must withdraw per tournament refund policy.

MATCH PLAY

• No referees.

• All matches self-monitored

MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE

• Select matches at Southern Pickleball–hosted State Championships livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV.

• Players & fans encouraged to visit SouthernPickleballTV.com and subscribe for free.

Additional Information

The Southern Pickleball Association adheres to the guidelines set forth in the USA Pickleball Rulebook. All gameplay, officiating, and judgment decisions during our events are based on these rules to ensure consistency and fairness for all players. Southern Pickleball reserves the right to deviate from the USA Pickleball rules at the discretion of the tournament management.

We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the USA Pickleball Rulebook to understand the standards and expectations that govern our games. For more information or to access the rulebook, please visit <a href="https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/" target="_blank">USA Pickleball's official website</a>.

In addition, the Southern Pickleball Association allows paddles that are on the official UPA-A amateur and the USA Pickleball paddle approved list.

It is the player's responsibility to make sure their paddle is currently approved by UPA-A and/or USA Pickleball for amateur tournament play.

<a href="https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/" target="_blank">https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/</a>

Players found to be playing with an unapproved paddle may be subject to forfeit at the discretion of the tournament director and/or tournament referee.

Additionally, players discovered to have two or more DUPR accounts may also be subject to withdrawal from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament director. Players with multiple DUPR accounts should contact <a href="mailto:support@dupr.com">support@dupr.com</a> to have their accounts merged. Thank you for helping us uphold the integrity of the sport!

Customer Service & Support

Southern Pickleball is happy to answer questions and assist with any issues related to registration, scheduling, divisions, or tournament policies. Please send all correspondence to <a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a>.

For the fastest and most accurate service, include the following information in your message:

<li>Your partner’s full name (if applicable)</li>

<li>Phone number and email address for both players</li>

<li>The bracket you are currently playing and/or the bracket you wish to play</li>

<li>Providing complete information will help us answer your questions</li>

</ul>

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Refund Policy

WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION POLICY

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• Cancellation Deadline: APRIL 29th at 11:55pm ET

• Withdrawals before the deadline receive a refund minus a $20 processing fee

• All approved refunds will be issued the week following the conclusion of the tournament

• Pickleball tournament service fees are non-refundable

• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached

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🌤️ WEATHER & TOURNAMENT INSURANCE 🌤️

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Optional Weather & Tournament Insurance is available for $12 and may be purchased during registration.

<div style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;line-height:1.2;">Tournament Insurance covers:</div>

• Weather-related cancellations, and

• Withdrawals due to injury or family emergency for the player or their partner.

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Players who purchase Tournament Insurance will receive a 100% refund of registration and event fees if they are unable to compete in at least one event during the tournament. Registration fees are non-transferable.

Venue Details

This tournament is played at different venues. Please refer to your registration confirmation to locate your tournament venue.

Englewood Sports Complex - Sarasota, FloridaPrimary Venue

1300 South River Road
Englewood, Florida, 34223
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Englewood Sports Complex - Sarasota, Florida

1300 South River Road
Sarasota, Florida, 34223
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Travel information

Lodging

Hampton Inn & Suites North Port

5664 Tuscola Blvd.

North Port (Sarasota), Florida, 34287

Home 2 Suites by Hilton

227 Albee Road West

Nokomis (Sarasota), Florida, 34275

2026 Powerball FLORIDA Amateur State Championships presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

2026 Powerball FLORIDA Amateur State Championships presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

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2026 Powerball FLORIDA Amateur State Championships presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

2026 Powerball FLORIDA Amateur State Championships presented by Carvana PPA & Southern Pickleball

Tournament Description

Additional Information

Refund Policy

Venue Details

Travel information