ORLANDO, Fla. — Fentanyl-related deaths in Florida have declined by nearly 60% since 2023, according to new data released by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the findings Tuesday, October 20, highlighting the state’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and expand law enforcement operations targeting fentanyl distribution.
According to the commission’s 2025 Annual Drug Report, fentanyl caused nearly 5,000 deaths in Florida in 2023. That figure fell to approximately 2,000 in 2025, a reduction of nearly 3,000 deaths annually.
The report also found that fentanyl-caused deaths dropped 37% between 2024 and 2025, while deaths attributed to fentanyl analogs declined by more than 50%.
“Fentanyl-caused deaths in Florida have declined by nearly 60% since we launched the S.A.F.E. grant program in 2023,” DeSantis said. “So far, S.A.F.E. has resulted in almost 3,000 arrests of drug traffickers and dealers, as well as significant seizures of dangerous narcotics.”
The State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program was established in 2023 to provide resources for local law enforcement agencies conducting major drug trafficking investigations.
Drug-Related Deaths Decline Across Florida
The latest medical examiner data shows that the reduction in fatalities extends beyond fentanyl.
Between 2024 and 2025, Florida recorded a 12% decline in total drug-related deaths. Opioid-caused deaths decreased by 33%, cocaine-caused deaths fell 16%, and methamphetamine-caused deaths dropped 23%.
Despite the reductions, fentanyl remained the leading drug involved in deaths reported in the state’s 2025 data, followed by cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
State officials credit expanded law enforcement investigations and drug interdiction operations for helping address the fentanyl crisis. The FDLE has also identified increased access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, as part of Florida’s response.
The decline in deaths coincides with the state’s enforcement initiatives, although the statistics alone do not establish how much of the reduction resulted from any individual program.
Nearly 3,000 Arrests Through State Fentanyl Program
Since its creation, Florida’s S.A.F.E. program has supported investigations resulting in nearly 3,000 arrests and significant seizures of illegal drugs, firearms and cash.
According to the governor’s office, investigations funded through the program have resulted in the seizure of more than 600 pounds of fentanyl, over 65,000 fentanyl pills, nearly 800 pounds of cocaine and more than 520 pounds of methamphetamine.
Authorities have also confiscated approximately 2,600 pounds of marijuana, more than $6.6 million in cash, nearly 1,000 firearms and 90 vehicles.
FDLE Commissioner Larry Keefe said the funding has helped law enforcement agencies pursue major trafficking organizations.
“Our agents and partners are working every day to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our communities,” Keefe said.
Recent Drug Trafficking Investigations
Several major investigations conducted in 2026 illustrate the scope of the state’s anti-trafficking operations.
In October, Operation Ice Breaker resulted in charges against 25 individuals following a South Florida investigation involving FDLE, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, federal drug enforcement agents and state prosecutors. Authorities seized more than 100 pounds of cocaine, additional narcotics and 16 firearms. Nineteen suspects had been arrested when the operation was announced.
In September, Operation End of Worlds targeted a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking organization in Polk County. The investigation, conducted with assistance from the S.A.F.E. program, resulted in 39 arrests and the seizure of 4.5 pounds of fentanyl, along with other drugs, weapons and cash.
Another investigation, Operation Hall of Fame, resulted in nine arrests in July after authorities uncovered a cocaine trafficking operation transporting drugs from Texas into Florida. Investigators seized approximately 60 kilograms of cocaine.
Florida officials say the state will continue funding large-scale narcotics investigations and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies to disrupt trafficking networks.
The S.A.F.E. program remains active, with funding available for approved investigations during the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
The full findings are included in the Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s 2025 annual drug report, released through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
