Seeing a loved one living with an opioid use disorder is devastating for a number of reasons, including the fear of the person getting into trouble with the law. Florida has stringent laws in place to address the problem of opioid use disorders, putting limits on how many of these medications doctors can prescribe.
An opioid recovery center in FL can help your loved one if they’re struggling with a substance use disorder. With the right guidance, they can understand the reason behind the development of the problem so that they can protect their health and avoid legal problems. But are opioids illegal in Florida, and what laws could impact your loved one? The team at Gulf Breeze Recovery can help walk you through the process step by step.
Are opioids legal in Florida?
The answer will depend on the type of opioid. Prescription opioids like oxycodone are legal as long as a doctor prescribes them while following all of the state’s prescribing requirements.
Are opioids legal in Florida if they were prescribed as a one-time need, and your loved one gets a new prescription from another doctor? As long as they have a prescription, they are following the law. It can mean, however, that your loved one has developed a substance use disorder, and this is a way for them to get access to opioids they no longer need.
What drug is illegal in Florida?
It’s important to note that there are some drugs that have no medical use and there is no manner in which they can be legally consumed. What drug is illegal in Florida? Most of the Schedule I drugs are against the law. Florida statutes state that these include1:
- Heroin
- Peyote
- Ecstasy
- Methaqualone
- Bath salts
If anyone is found with these substances in their possession, they could be in trouble with the law. The exact consequences they face will depend on how much of the drug was in their possession, if it is their first offense, and other factors.
What is the pain law in Florida?
When people ask, “Are opioids illegal in Florida?” they might be wondering about House Bill 21. This is known as the “pain law,” and it puts significant restrictions on how opioids can be used in the state.
What is the pain law in Florida? It’s a law that helps regulate pain management clinics and requires that every provider of opioids check a patient’s identity in the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Are opioids still legal? Yes, but under more limited circumstances and with more restrictions.
The law also stipulates that guests who are dealing with acute pain must be prescribed a limited supply of medications. Usually, this means only enough medications for three days. It may be necessary to have a co-prescriber, too, and for pharmacists to also check guests’ identities before filling opioid prescriptions.
The pain law also updates the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), requiring that Schedule V drugs be reported to this service. Additionally, physicians would need to check the PDMP before prescribing any controlled substances. Violations of this law could result in drug charges that could mean serious fines and even jail time.
Protect your loved one with help from an opioid recovery center in FL at Gulf Breeze Recovery
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Are opioids still legal in Florida?” out of worry for a loved one who is struggling with an opioid use disorder, the next step is to encourage the person to get help at a recovery center. With the option of residential or outpatient services, your loved one can find the right level of support for their needs.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we provide a variety of treatment options for those living with opioid use disorder, including peer and professional support. By beginning the journey toward sobriety, your loved one can protect their health and their freedom. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery by calling 833.551.2304 or reaching out via our convenient online contact form.
Source:
1. The Florida Senate. “Controlled Substances”. Accessed May 12, 2025.
