Toxicology

Our mission is to analyze biological specimens for the presence or absence of drinking alcohol (blood) and/or impairing drugs (blood & urine). Cases are typically related to driving under the influence, drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), or death investigations involving living subjects. Post-mortem and other clinical toxicology services are not provided. Analysts utilize techniques and specialized instrumentation such as immunoassay, gas & liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometers. Impairing drugs commonly found in casework include cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and other substances. The testing required for alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances is described under Florida Statute 316.1932. Within this statute, the Alcohol Testing Program is given responsibility for both breath and blood alcohol testing. The administrative rules our toxicology laboratory must follow are defined in FAC 11D-8. Analysts may provide expert testimony in court including the interpretation of their results as related to human performance toxicology.
 
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Casework Statistics
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Toxicology Evidence Turnaround Time (Days) Toxicology Evidence Statistics

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.