Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) in Florida operated in a legal grey area until the Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA) was passed in 2016. The law permitted IDEA Exchange Miami to conduct a 5-year pilot researching the effectiveness of SSPs in preventing HIV and Hepatitis C transmission and linking People Who Use Drugs to essential services and drug treatment.  Due to the success of the pilot Gov. Desantis signed legislation allowing additional programs to open across the state.

As one of the states with the highest rates of HIV and hepatitis C transmission, Florida recognizes the critical role these programs play in reducing the spread of infectious diseases and bacterial infections among People Who Use Drugs. Beyond harm reduction, SSPs provide connection to essential services such as wound care, addiction treatment, housing, and behavioral and medical health support. 

Currently, there are eight authorized SSPs across Florida. For more information and hours of operation, please click on the logos below. If you’re interested in starting or supporting an SSP in your community, click on the FLHRC logo to learn more.