TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) – Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced the release of the Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s 2024 annual Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report. The report shows year-over-year declines in drug-related deaths.
According to the report, statewide drug-related deaths decreased, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Florida.
According to the release, total drug-related deaths decreased by 14% in 2024, with opioid-caused deaths dropping 32% and fentanyl-caused deaths down 35%.
Fentanyl remains the leading drug in drug-related deaths.
The release also shows statistics on cocaine-related deaths decreasing 19% and methamphetamine-related deaths down 24% from the previous year.
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The release credits continued declines to enforcement and prevention measures, including the SAFE program, statewide drug interdiction and expanded naloxone access for first responders.
“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.
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