Broward County, FL Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Broward County Code § 15-13
- Applicability
- Incorporated and unincorporated Broward County
- State authority
- Fla. Stat. § 381.0038(4)
- Funding
- No public funds; private grants only
- Exchange model
- One-to-one exchange at fixed or mobile sites
Summary
Broward County authorizes a countywide sterile needle and syringe exchange program under state law, requiring the contracted operator to maintain written security procedures for safe disposal of returned needles at fixed sites or mobile units.
a sterile needle and hypodermic syringe exchange program titled "The Broward County Safe Syringe Exchange Program" is hereby created and authorized to operate in Broward County... The Safe Syringe Exchange Program may operate at one (1) or more fixed locations or through mobile health units... the security procedures must include:(1)An accounting of the number of needles and syringes in use;(2)The number of needles and syringes in storage;(3)Safe disposal of returned needles; and(4)Any other measure that may be required to control the use and dispersal of sterile needles and syringes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 15-13 creates the Broward County Safe Syringe Exchange Program under Florida's Infectious Disease Elimination Act (F.S. 381.0038(4)) and applies in both incorporated and unincorporated Broward County. The Board of County Commissioners must contract with an approved operator - a licensed hospital, health clinic, medical school, addictions receiving facility, or 501(c)(3) HIV/AIDS service organization - before any exchange begins. The program runs one-to-one exchanges at fixed sites or mobile units, and the operator's written security procedures must track needle counts, storage, and safe disposal of returned needles. No county, state, or municipal funds may pay for operations; the operator must rely on private grants and donations.
Violations & Fines
Operating a Safe Syringe Exchange Program without an approved Board contract is unlawful under Sec. 15-13(d)(4); possessing needles outside the program remains subject to criminal prosecution, and no public funds may finance operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Broward's syringe exchange program cover cities like Fort Lauderdale?
Who is allowed to operate a syringe exchange in Broward County?
Can I get arrested for having a used needle outside the program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida public health rules overview
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