Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced that Florida noticed a serious decline in fentanyl- and opioid-related deaths throughout the first half of 2025, citing new information from the Florida Division of Legislation Enforcement’s Florida Medical Examiners Fee.
Talking in Titusville, DeSantis pointed to the state’s enforcement insurance policies, drug interdiction efforts, and assist for regulation enforcement businesses as elements within the decline.
In line with the 2025 Interim Medication Recognized in Deceased Individuals Report, statewide drug-related deaths fell by 19 % from January by way of June 2025. Opioid-caused deaths dropped by 42 %, whereas fentanyl-caused deaths declined by 46 %. The report additionally confirmed cocaine-related deaths decreased by 24 % and methamphetamine-related deaths fell by greater than 31 %.
“Florida proves that states can efficiently struggle fentanyl and the cartels,” DeSantis mentioned. “Due to our investments and insurance policies to empower regulation enforcement, drug-related deaths declined considerably final 12 months.”
The governor additionally highlighted the State Help for Fentanyl Eradication program, generally known as S.A.F.E., which was established in 2023 to offer funding to regulation enforcement businesses conducting large-scale narcotics investigations involving fentanyl trafficking and cartel-linked operations.
In line with the governor’s workplace, S.A.F.E. investigations have led to just about 3,000 arrests and the seizure of 600 kilos of fentanyl, greater than 65,000 fentanyl tablets, over 600 kilos of cocaine, almost 2,600 kilos of marijuana, greater than 480 kilos of methamphetamine, $6.4 million in money, greater than 970 firearms, and 85 automobiles.
Florida Division of Legislation Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass mentioned this system has helped strengthen narcotics operations throughout the state.
“Governor DeSantis’ S.A.F.E. program has had a serious impression on Florida’s struggle towards fentanyl,” Glass mentioned. “The S.A.F.E. program has strengthened regulation enforcement operations, pushed record-level seizures, and disrupted the felony networks chargeable for trafficking lethal medication in our communities.”
DeSantis additionally referenced a number of cartel-linked investigations carried out by way of this system, together with circumstances in Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, South Florida, Hialeah, Pasco County, Polk County, and the Florida Panhandle.
Florida Freeway Security and Motor Autos Government Director Dave Kerner mentioned state troopers have been given extra assets to assist fight drug trafficking.
“Our efforts to disrupt cartel-linked trafficking are pushed by a dedication to stop additional loss and safeguard each Floridian,” Kerner mentioned.
The announcement additionally included new price range suggestions for regulation enforcement and corrections personnel within the governor’s Fiscal 12 months 2026-27 proposal.
These suggestions embrace rising correctional officer beginning pay from $22 an hour to $28 an hour, offering $13.5 million in extra pay will increase for sworn state regulation enforcement officers, and allocating one other $25 million for the Legislation Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, which provides bonuses of as much as $5,000 for newly employed regulation enforcement officers.
Florida Division of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon mentioned pay is a key challenge for retaining correctional officers.
“Florida is a law-and-order state, and if we anticipate to proceed conserving Florida households protected, aggressive pay is vital to sustaining the corrections workforce,” Dixon mentioned. “Governor DeSantis understands the challenges we face, and the funding wanted to guard our communities.”
