Gov. Ron DeSanits announced a nearly 60% drop in fentanyl-caused deaths in Florida since 2023, according to data from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s 2025 Annual Drug Report while speaking at a press conference in Orlando this week.
The decrease follows Florida's effort to combat drug trafficking and support law enforcement through the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program - established by Gov. DeSants in 2023. As a result, fentanyl deaths dropped from 5,000 to 3,000 from 2023 to 2025, including 37% from 2024 to 2025 - with fentanyl analog deaths also falling more than 50% over that period.
“Fentanyl-caused deaths in Florida have declined by nearly 60% since we launched the S.A.F.E. grant program in 2023,” DeSantis said in a statement. “So far, S.A.F.E. has resulted in almost 3,000 arrests of drug traffickers and dealers, as well as significant seizures of dangerous narcotics. We will continue supporting law enforcement and remain committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Floridians.”
In 2023, fentanyl killed nearly 5,000 Floridians. By 2025, the death toll from fentanyl had fallen to 2,000.
Florida’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program has supercharged law enforcement capacity to keep our communities safe from deadly illicit… pic.twitter.com/Vd0yZznnIB
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 20, 2026
The report also found a 12% decrease in total drug-related deaths, a 33% drop in opioid-caused deaths, a 16% decrease in cocaine-caused deaths, and a 23% drop in methamphetamine-caused deaths from 2024-2025.
Overall, S.A.F.E investigations have resulted in the following - including through Operation Ice Breaker in South Florida, Operation End of Worlds in Polk County, and Operation Hall of Fame in Pinellas County.
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Over 600 pounds of fentanyl and over 65,000 fentanyl pills confiscated.
- Nearly 800 pounds of cocaine seized.
- Nearly 2,600 pounds of marijuana confiscated.
- More than $6.6 million in cash seized.
- Nearly 1,000 firearms and 90 vehicles confiscated.
“Our agents and partners are working every day to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our communities,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Larry Keefe added. “This progress is a direct result of their commitment and the Governor’s continued support for programs like S.A.F.E., which empower law enforcement to act quickly and effectively. We will keep using every lawful tool available to protect Florida families.”
