NEWS RELEASE: Following Massive Drop in Fentanyl Deaths in Florida, Senator Moody Pushes Legislation to Keep Nation Moving in the Right Direction

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Ashley Moody is continuing efforts to combat the nation's fentanyl crisis following the release of new state data showing a 46% drop in fentanyl-related deaths in Florida-a decline well above the national average. The FDLE 2025 Interim Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons Report most recent report, covering January through June 2025, reflects continued progress of anti-fentanyl and anti-drug trafficking efforts implemented by Senator Moody during her tenure as Florida's Attorney General. Senator Moody is continuing these efforts through the passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, the Senate passage of Tyler's Law, and most recently by introducing the PRESS Act to stop the production of counterfeit prescription pills.

"Florida is proving that strong enforcement, education, and support for our law enforcement save lives. As Attorney General, I made combating fentanyl a top priority and we took aggressive action to stop deadly drugs from pouring into our communities. This 46% drop in fentanyl-related deaths shows real progress and results from those initiatives. While we achieved significant progress in Florida, there is still much work to be done and as your newest United States Senator, I will continue that work to keep our state and country safe from the dangers of fentanyl and the criminals who profit from this crisis," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• As the newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation's fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler's Law, and most recently the PRESS Act.
  • HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
  • Tyler's Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.
  • PRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.
• Key statistics from the FDLE report include:
  • Fentanyl-caused deaths: Decreased by 46%.
  • Opioid-caused deaths: Dropped by 42%.
  • Total drug-related deaths: Decreased by 19%.
• As Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.
• While serving as Attorney General, Senator Moody also demanded Biden classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and declare Mexican drug cartels smuggling fentanyl into the country as terrorist organizations. President Trump declared drug cartels terrorist organizations on Day One.
• As Attorney General, Senator Moody created Dose of Reality Florida and Fast Facts on Fentanyl to help Floridians learn about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and opioid use.
• The Helping Heroes program was also created to provide free naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal-medication, to law enforcement and first responds across the state.
• Under Senator Moody's leadership during her time as Attorney General, Florida's drop in fentanyl deaths outpaced the national average drop in deaths and Florida became a national leader in anti-fentanyl efforts.

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