For Immediate Release
October 16, 2025
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) today announced the release of the 2024 annual Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. The report reveals a significant decrease in statewide drug-related deaths and marks continued progress in Florida’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis. 

Overall, total drug-related deaths decreased by 14% in 2024, with opioid-caused deaths dropping 32% and fentanyl-caused deaths down 35%. These results highlight a sustained downward trend in drug-related deaths since peaking in 2021, underscoring the state’s continued success in safeguarding the health and safety of its citizens. 

“These results speak to the importance of President Trump’s swift action to shut down our borders and declare the cartels as the foreign terrorist organizations that they are,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature brought tougher penalties for drug traffickers and ensured Florida was prepared to support the Trump Administration’s priorities. My office will continue to seek long prison sentences for the criminals who bring these poisons into our communities and hold them accountable.”

“We are incredibly encouraged to see these numbers continue to decline year after year. Thanks to initiatives like Governor DeSantis’ 2023 State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program, our law enforcement agencies have access to additional resources which contributed to the sharp decrease in fentanyl-related deaths,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “These results send a clear message: in Florida, we are steadfast in our commitment to protect our communities and will not allow harmful drugs to take hold.” 

The report found that fentanyl was the leading drug involved in deaths in 2024, followed by cocaine, which fell 19%, and methamphetamine, which fell 24% from the previous year. 

Florida’s efforts to effectively investigate those who introduce dangerous drugs into communities has contributed to the state’s success in reducing drug-related deaths and combatting the opioid crisis. These efforts include enhanced drug interdiction by law enforcement across the state, initiatives like the SAFE program, and expanded access to life-saving medication, such as naloxone, for first responders.

Law enforcement agencies across the state remain committed to protecting the safety and health of communities and encourage the public to report suspicious drug-related activity to local authorities. 

For Further Information Contact
FDLE Office of Public Information
Info@fdle.state.fl.us