Opioid deaths drop 42% in Florida as DeSantis’ tough strategy delivers massive wins: “We must invest in our law enforcement”
Florida – Florida officials are pointing to a sharp drop in fentanyl- and opioid-related deaths as evidence that the state’s law enforcement strategy is making a measurable difference in the fight against deadly drugs.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that newly released figures from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Florida Medical Examiners Commission show broad declines in drug deaths during the first half of 2025.
The numbers, published in the 2025 Interim Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report, cover January through June and show statewide drug-related deaths falling by 19 percent. Opioid-caused deaths dropped by 42 percent, while fentanyl-caused deaths declined by 46 percent.
The report also showed decreases in other major drug categories. Cocaine-related deaths were down 24 percent, and methamphetamine-related deaths fell by more than 31 percent.
“Florida proves that states can successfully fight fentanyl and the cartels. Thanks to our investments and policies to empower law enforcement, drug-related deaths declined significantly last year,” said Governor DeSantis.
“When you give law enforcement the tools they need, they deliver results. If we want to keep saving lives and stopping the flow of deadly drugs into our communities, we must invest in our law enforcement and correctional personnel.”
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The governor credited the decline to a mix of aggressive enforcement, expanded drug interdiction work, support for local agencies and the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program, known as S.A.F.E. Created in 2023, the program funds large-scale narcotics investigations aimed at fentanyl trafficking and cartel-linked operations across Florida.
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.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said the program has changed the scale of Florida’s enforcement efforts.
“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.”
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DeSantis also used the announcement to highlight future budget priorities for public safety. His Fiscal Year 2026-27 recommendations include raising correctional officer starting pay from $22 to $28 an hour, adding $13.5 million in pay increases for sworn state law enforcement officers, and providing another $25 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, which offers bonuses of up to $5,000 for newly hired officers.
State officials said the goal is not only to keep pressure on drug traffickers, but also to strengthen the workforce responsible for keeping Florida’s communities, roads and correctional facilities safe.
