The proposed bill CS/HB 57 2025 seeks to amend Florida's drug laws by regulating xylazine, which is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. The bill specifically excludes certain FDA-approved xylazine animal drug products from this classification, while maintaining that the manufacture, importation, distribution, prescribing, or sale of xylazine for human use remains illegal. It introduces new criminal penalties for the sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to sell xylazine, establishing a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and creating a new offense of trafficking in xylazine, with penalties that vary based on the quantity involved.

In addition to regulating xylazine, the bill expands the list of controlled substances to include various synthetic cannabinoids and substituted cathinones, detailing specific compounds that are now illegal. It enhances penalties for trafficking in these substances, including a tiered penalty system for trafficking in xylazine based on the amount involved, with severe fines and mandatory minimum sentences. The legislation aims to strengthen public safety and law enforcement's ability to combat drug trafficking, particularly in response to the ongoing opioid crisis and the rise of synthetic drugs. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 57 Filed: 893.13, 893.135
H 57 c1: 893.03, 893.13, 893.135