Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Nearly 60% Decline in Fentanyl-Caused Deaths in Florida Since 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. ~ Fentanyl-caused deaths in Florida fell by nearly 60% between 2023 and 2025, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission's 2025 Annual Drug Report, cited by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The report recorded nearly 5,000 fentanyl-caused deaths in 2023 and about 2,000 in 2025. From 2024 to 2025, deaths attributed to fentanyl declined 37%, while deaths caused by fentanyl analogs fell by more than 50%.

DeSantis attributed the decline in part to the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program, established in 2023 to support law enforcement investigations. He said investigations backed by the program had led to nearly 3,000 arrests.

The report also showed that total drug-related deaths in Florida decreased 12% from 2024 to 2025. Opioid-caused deaths fell 33%, cocaine-caused deaths declined 16%, and methamphetamine-caused deaths dropped 23%.

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FDLE Commissioner Larry Keefe said law enforcement agencies were working to disrupt drug trafficking and credited their efforts and state support for the progress. The figures and explanations were provided in the governor's announcement.

According to the announcement, S.A.F.E.-supported investigations have resulted in the seizure of more than 600 pounds of fentanyl and over 65,000 fentanyl pills, as well as nearly 800 pounds of cocaine and more than 520 pounds of methamphetamine. Authorities also seized more than $6.6 million in cash, nearly 1,000 firearms and 90 vehicles.

The announcement cited several recent investigations. In October, Operation Ice Breaker led to charges against 25 people in a South Florida trafficking investigation; 19 had been arrested at the time of the announcement. Authorities seized more than 100 pounds of cocaine, along with fentanyl, methamphetamine and 16 firearms.

In September, Operation End of Worlds resulted in 39 arrests and the seizure of 4.5 pounds of fentanyl, along with other drugs, firearms and cash, according to the announcement. In July, Operation Hall of Fame led to nine arrests and the seizure of 60 kilograms of cocaine being transported from Texas into Florida.

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