ORLANDO, FL — Florida has experienced a nearly 60% decline in fentanyl-caused deaths since 2023, dropping from approximately 5,000 deaths annually to around 2,000 in 2025, according to new data from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. Governor Ron DeSantis also highlighted major drug trafficking investigations across the state, including a Polk County operation that resulted in 39 arrests and the seizure of 4.5 pounds of fentanyl.
Governor DeSantis announced the findings in Orlando, emphasizing the state’s efforts to combat drug trafficking through increased law enforcement operations and the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program, established in 2023.
According to the state’s 2025 Annual Drug Report, fentanyl-caused deaths decreased by 37% between 2024 and 2025 alone, while deaths involving fentanyl analogs declined by more than 50%.
The report also revealed a 12% decrease in overall drug-related deaths, a 33% decrease in opioid-caused deaths, a 16% decrease in cocaine-caused deaths and a 23% decrease in methamphetamine-caused deaths.
“Fentanyl-caused deaths in Florida have declined by nearly 60% since we launched the S.A.F.E. grant program in 2023,” said Governor DeSantis. “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.”
Polk County Drug Trafficking Investigation Highlighted
Among the major investigations highlighted by the Governor’s Office was Operation End of Worlds, conducted in September by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Auburndale Police Department.
The operation dismantled a major fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking organization using resources provided through the S.A.F.E. grant program.
The investigation resulted in 39 arrests and the seizure of 4.5 pounds of fentanyl, along with additional narcotics, firearms and cash.
Statewide, investigations supported by the S.A.F.E. program have resulted in nearly 3,000 arrests and the seizure of more than 600 pounds of fentanyl, over 65,000 fentanyl pills, nearly 800 pounds of cocaine, nearly 2,600 pounds of marijuana and more than 520 pounds of methamphetamine.
Authorities have also seized more than $6.6 million in cash, nearly 1,000 firearms and approximately 90 vehicles.
Other major investigations included Operation Ice Breaker in South Florida, which resulted in charges against 25 individuals, and Operation Hall of Fame in Pinellas County, which resulted in nine arrests and the seizure of 60 kilograms of cocaine.
FDLE Commissioner Larry Keefe credited law enforcement partnerships and continued funding for the progress, emphasizing that agencies remain focused on disrupting drug trafficking organizations.
While state officials highlighted the decline in fentanyl deaths alongside the S.A.F.E. program’s enforcement results, the data does not establish how much of the reduction can be attributed directly to the program.
Florida officials say the state will continue supporting targeted drug trafficking investigations and working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics.
SOURCE: FLORIDA GOVERNOR PRESS CONFERENCE
