The Florida Department of Health is marking Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day to highlight the risks associated with fentanyl use. The observance follows the passage of House Bill 259 by the Florida Legislature on May 23, 2025, which created this day as a state special observance to raise awareness about fentanyl and overdoses.
Fentanyl is described as a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin and morphine. It can be found in street drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Dealers may also mix fentanyl into counterfeit versions of prescription medications like Percocet, OxyContin, Xanax, and Adderall. Because fentanyl cannot be detected by sight, taste, or smell, users often do not realize they are consuming it. The department advises that any substances not obtained directly from a pharmacy or dispensary should be assumed to possibly contain fentanyl.
According to the department, fentanyl continues to have a serious impact on communities throughout Florida by contributing to overdose rates across the state. In response to this issue, the Department of Health has partnered with state and local organizations to improve prevention efforts and increase access to naloxone while providing information aimed at saving lives.
The department encourages people to lead with empathy when addressing substance use disorder. “Substance use disorder is complex and requires care, connection, and community for recovery. Encourage people to carry naloxone, seek resources for support, and connect with loved ones and peers to aid in their recovery.”
Residents are advised to learn how to recognize signs of an overdose—which include pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness or drowsiness, slow or weak breathing, choking sounds, cold skin or discoloration around lips and nails—and carry naloxone if possible. The department notes: “Recent research has shown that access to naloxone does not increase the likelihood to use opioids like fentanyl.”
Open communication about substance use disorder is also encouraged: “With more fentanyl in the drug supply, opioid overdoses and deaths have risen in recent years. Have regular, open, non-judgmental, and compassionate conversations with loved ones – even if not certain they are using.”
Those prescribed opioids are advised to discuss proper usage with their doctors or consider non-opioid alternatives for pain management.
If someone appears to be experiencing an overdose—such as showing symptoms like limpness or difficulty breathing—the department recommends calling 911 immediately. Naloxone (Narcan) should be administered if available; individuals should be placed on their side until emergency help arrives.
A public health alert was issued by the Florida Department of Health on July 8, 2022 (https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2022/07/20220708-public-health-safety-alert.pr.html), reminding Floridians about recognizing overdose signs. Posters related to these warnings remain available for public distribution.
Floridians seeking additional support can visit County Health Departments for resources including free access to naloxone (Narcan).
The Florida Department of Health states it remains committed—through integrated state-, county-, and community-level efforts—to protecting residents’ health.
