Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida saw a major decline in fentanyl- and opioid-related deaths during the first half of 2025, citing new data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Florida Medical Examiners Commission.
Speaking in Titusville, DeSantis pointed to the state’s enforcement policies, drug interdiction efforts, and support for law enforcement agencies as factors in the decline.
According to the 2025 Interim Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report, statewide drug-related deaths fell by 19 percent from January through June 2025. Opioid-caused deaths dropped by 42 percent, while fentanyl-caused deaths declined by 46 percent. The report also showed cocaine-related deaths decreased by 24 percent and methamphetamine-related deaths fell by more than 31 percent.
“Florida proves that states can successfully fight fentanyl and the cartels,” DeSantis said. “Thanks to our investments and policies to empower law enforcement, drug-related deaths declined significantly last year.”
The governor also highlighted the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program, known as S.A.F.E., which was established in 2023 to provide funding to law enforcement agencies conducting large-scale narcotics investigations involving fentanyl trafficking and cartel-linked operations.
According to the governor’s office, S.A.F.E. investigations have led to nearly 3,000 arrests and the seizure of 600 pounds of fentanyl, more than 65,000 fentanyl pills, over 600 pounds of cocaine, nearly 2,600 pounds of marijuana, more than 480 pounds of methamphetamine, $6.4 million in cash, more than 970 firearms, and 85 vehicles.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said the program has helped strengthen narcotics operations across the state.
“Governor DeSantis’ S.A.F.E. program has had a major impact on Florida’s fight against fentanyl,” Glass said. “The S.A.F.E. program has strengthened law enforcement operations, driven record-level seizures, and disrupted the criminal networks responsible for trafficking deadly drugs in our communities.”
DeSantis also referenced several cartel-linked investigations conducted through the program, including cases in Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, South Florida, Hialeah, Pasco County, Polk County, and the Florida Panhandle.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said state troopers have been given more resources to help combat drug trafficking.
“Our efforts to disrupt cartel-linked trafficking are driven by a commitment to prevent further loss and safeguard every Floridian,” Kerner said.
The announcement also included new budget recommendations for law enforcement and corrections personnel in the governor’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 proposal.
Those recommendations include increasing correctional officer starting pay from $22 an hour to $28 an hour, providing $13.5 million in additional pay increases for sworn state law enforcement officers, and allocating another $25 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, which offers bonuses of up to $5,000 for newly hired law enforcement officers.
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon said pay is a key issue for retaining correctional officers.
“Florida is a law-and-order state, and if we expect to continue keeping Florida families safe, competitive pay is critical to maintaining the corrections workforce,” Dixon said. “Governor DeSantis understands the challenges we face, and the investment needed to protect our communities.”
