Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced that the state is moving to reclassify xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance, while providing an exemption for veterinary use. The decision aims to address concerns about illicit abuse of the drug, while ensuring continued access for veterinarians and the agricultural community.
“Florida farmers and ranchers depend on veterinarians having the tools they need to safely treat livestock,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “By providing an exemption for xylazine for this limited purpose, we are protecting access for legitimate veterinary use while keeping this dangerous substance out of the hands of drug dealers and abusers.”
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson expressed support for the rule. “Drug abuse is not a victimless crime. It robs children of parents, hurts our economy, and makes Floridians less free,” Simpson said. “I support Attorney General Uthmeier’s rule because it targets abuse while protecting the legitimate use, under veterinary care, which is important to our ranchers and farmers in Florida.”
Xylazine is a prescription sedative approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for animal use. It is used in medical evaluation, treatment, and surgical care for various species such as cattle, horses, zoo animals, and wildlife. The drug is considered essential for safely handling large or wild animals.
The new classification means only licensed veterinarians can obtain and dispense xylazine during their professional practice. Farmers and ranchers will be able to receive prescriptions only through veterinarians for legitimate livestock care. Public sale or possession outside veterinary practice remains illegal, with misuse classified as a crime. Enhanced scheduling also allows law enforcement and regulators to track distribution more closely in order to prevent diversion into illicit markets.
In veterinary medicine, xylazine’s effects can be reversed after use so that animals can safely return to herds or wildlife settings without risk of secondary injury. Manufacturers and distributors already operate under strict compliance measures to ensure legal access.
State officials say these changes are intended to maintain safeguards against abuse while supporting veterinarians, farmers, ranchers, and animal specialists who rely on xylazine as part of their work.
