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Florida Drug Laws Tighten: New Substances Face Felony Charges in 2026

Florida's new drug laws add 7-hydroxymitragynine to Schedule I and create felony offenses for xylazine trafficking. Tampa defense firm Stechschulte Nell explains the changes taking effect October 2026.

These legislative changes represent a significant expansion of Florida's drug enforcement capabilities that will affect countless residents. The addition of 7-hydroxymitragynine to Schedule I and the creation of new trafficking offenses for xylazine means more substances will carry severe felony penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences. For ordinary citizens, this increases the risk of life-altering legal consequences for what might be perceived as minor infractions. Given Florida's historically strict drug laws and high incarceration rates, these changes could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and strain the criminal justice system. The timing is particularly crucial as these provisions take effect in October 2026, giving residents limited time to understand the new legal landscape and protect themselves from potentially devastating charges.