Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass today in Lake County released the latest Florida Medical Examiners Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report, showing a drastic drop in opioid-related deaths and a promising trend. The report is the fourth of its kind in two years showing a decrease in opioid-related deaths in Florida. The 11% drop in fentanyl occurrences in 2023 is much greater than the national average decrease of 2% during the same time period. Additionally, more recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a more than 17% decrease in drug overdose deaths in Florida. The Leesburg Medical Examiner District covering Citrus, Lake, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties was even more dramatic, experiencing a 40% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths in 2023.

The statewide decrease can be partially attributed to increased efforts by Florida law enforcement fighting the opioid crisis. Florida leads the nation in fentanyl seizures. Access to life-saving medication, such as naloxone, is also helping reduce the death toll. Attorney General Moody provides free naloxone to first responders through the Helping Heroes program. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office joined the Helping Heroes program today.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This is very encouraging news. Florida is fighting hard to stop the flow of Mexican fentanyl into our state. Law enforcement officers are on the front lines of this fight, and we are finding innovative ways to target fentanyl traffickers and rescue people who overdose – putting them on a path to recovery. However, far too many people continue to die preventable deaths, and we will continue fighting to put drug traffickers in prison and help people struggling with substance abuse find resources.”