Florida Reports Decrease in Opioid-Related Deaths, Highlights Law Enforcement Success

Today, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass announced a significant reduction in opioid-related deaths in Florida, underscoring the state’s progress in battling the ongoing opioid crisis. The latest Florida Medical Examiners Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report reveals an 11% drop in fentanyl-related deaths statewide, a marked contrast to the national average decline of just 2%. Notably, Florida's Leesburg Medical Examiner District, covering five counties, saw an extraordinary 40% decrease in fentanyl fatalities last year.

According to Moody's release, this reduction in opioid-related deaths, with nearly 800 fewer fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, public health initiatives, and the dedication of state leaders. Florida now leads the nation in fentanyl seizures, and recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a 17% drop in drug overdose deaths in the state.

"This is very encouraging news. Florida is fighting hard to stop the flow of Mexican fentanyl into our state. Law enforcement officers are on the front lines of this fight, and we are finding innovative ways to target fentanyl traffickers and rescue people who overdose – putting them on a path to recovery. However, far too many people continue to die preventable deaths, and we will continue fighting to put drug traffickers in prison and help people struggling with substance abuse find resources," said Moody.

In addition to significant fentanyl seizures, Florida's statewide initiatives, such as the Helping Heroes program, are providing critical support. The program offers free naloxone to first responders, ensuring that lifesaving medication is readily available to counteract opioid overdoses. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has joined the program, further expanding access to this essential tool.

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from Florida’s leadership: “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody, fentanyl deaths decreased dramatically across Florida, killing 660 fewer people in 2023. With the wide-open border, this is a hard-fought accomplishment. Thank you to our FDLE agents, analysts and local law enforcement partners whose boots on the ground investigations made this happen.”

Several regions across Florida have witnessed similar reductions in opioid-related fatalities. For example, the Florida Keys, Sanford, Gainesville, and Fort Myers districts all saw decreases in fentanyl deaths exceeding 27%. In Citrus County, part of the Leesburg Medical Examiner District, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office made its largest fentanyl bust ever, seizing over 13 pounds of fentanyl—enough to potentially kill more than 3 million people.

The ongoing success in reducing opioid-related deaths is a direct result of proactive measures by Attorney General Moody and Governor Ron DeSantis. Since taking office, Attorney General Moody has launched several initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic, including:

• Chairing the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse to develop comprehensive, evidence-based solutions.
• Advocating for the swift resolution of the state’s opioid litigation, holding major pharmaceutical companies accountable.
• Calling for the designation of fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) and pressuring the federal government to declare Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
• Securing millions in funding for law enforcement to fight fentanyl trafficking.

Additionally, the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication Initiative (SAFE), spearheaded by Attorney General Moody and Governor DeSantis, has provided $15 million in grants to local law enforcement agencies. These funds have led to over 290 pounds of fentanyl being seized—enough to potentially save millions of lives.

Attorney General Moody remains steadfast in her commitment to ending the opioid crisis, emphasizing the importance of prevention, treatment, and collaboration among state, federal, and local entities. The state's continued success in reducing opioid-related deaths proves that comprehensive strategies, strong leadership, and community partnerships can make a significant impact.
​
For more information about Florida’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis and to access resources for treatment, visit DoseOfRealityFL.com and TreatmentAtlas.org.