The bill CS/CS/HB 309 amends Florida's drug laws to include xylazine as a controlled substance and introduces specific regulations and penalties related to its trafficking. It establishes that individuals who knowingly sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or possess 28 grams or more of xylazine will be committing a first-degree felony, with tiered penalties based on the quantity involved. For example, possession of 28 to less than 100 grams incurs a mandatory minimum of 3 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine, while possession of 200 grams or more results in 25 years and a $500,000 fine. The bill also maintains existing penalties for trafficking in other controlled substances and emphasizes severe consequences for actions that result in death.

In addition to addressing xylazine, the bill expands the list of controlled substances to include various synthetic cannabinoids and substituted cathinones, providing law enforcement with a clearer framework for identifying and prosecuting related offenses. It specifies that any material containing these substances, unless exempted or FDA-approved, will be illegal, thereby closing potential loopholes. The bill also modifies existing penalties for trafficking in substances like fentanyl, establishing mandatory minimum sentences based on the quantity involved, and imposes severe penalties for selling these substances to minors. The effective date for the changes is set for October 1, 2026, with some provisions taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
H 309 Filed: 893.13, 893.131, 893.135
H 309 c1: 893.13, 893.131, 893.135
H 309 c2: 893.03, 893.13, 893.135