The criminal defense landscape in Florida is undergoing significant shifts, driven by the proliferation of fentanyl and evolving prosecutorial policies. The emergence of fentanyl as the dominant street drug has had a profound impact on Florida's criminal justice system. Beyond its lethality, fentanyl has triggered legislative and prosecutorial responses aimed at curbing its distribution.

Criminal defense law is a key element of the legal field, and just like all elements of the law, implementation varies from state to state. Previously, prosecutors might pursue murder charges against suspected fentanyl dealers in overdose cases. Gov. Ron DeSantis' recent legislation, however, appears to have shifted the focus to pretrial detention. Across the state, prosecutors are now reportedly seeking to hold individuals charged with fentanyl trafficking without bond. This represents a stark contrast to the past, where pretrial detention was infrequent, especially in nonviolent drug cases.