Palm Beach County, FL Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code §§ 13-141–13-152, Art. VI
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county + non-conflicting cities
- Approved operators
- Hospital, clinic, med school, or 501(c)(3)
- Funding
- No public funds allowed
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail
Summary
Palm Beach County authorizes a needle and syringe exchange program only through a BCC-contracted nonprofit or health provider; operating one without a county contract is a criminal offense in unincorporated areas.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Infectious Disease Elimination Act, established in F.S. § 381.0038(4), a Needle Exchange Program is authorized to operate in the geographic boundaries of Palm Beach County, provided the Operator is under contract with the BCC.(b)The Needle Exchange Program shall offer the free exchange of clean, unused needles and hypodermic syringes for used needles and hypodermic syringes, with the primary goal of preventing the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and/or other blood-borne diseases among intravenous drug users and their sexual partners and offspring, and with the secondary goal of providing a bridge to drug treatment, recovery support and other social services for intravenous drug users.(c)The Needle Exchange Program may operate at one (1) or more fixed locations or through mobile health units.(d)It shall be unlawful to operate a Needle Exchange Program unless the Operator is under contract with the BCC pursuant to the requirements of F.S. § 381.0038(4). (Ord. No. 2019-026, § 4, 7-2-19)
Full Breakdown
The county's Infectious Disease Elimination Ordinance lets the Board of County Commissioners contract with one approved operator, a licensed hospital, health clinic, medical school, addictions receiving facility, or 501(c)(3) HIV/AIDS service organization, to run a one-for-one sterile needle and syringe exchange at fixed sites or mobile units. The operator must secure exchange sites and equipment, track needle inventory, and safely dispose of returned needles. It applies in unincorporated Palm Beach County and in any municipality that hasn't adopted a conflicting ordinance. No state, county, or municipal funds may pay for the program; it runs on grants and donations only.
Violations & Fines
Operating a needle exchange without a BCC contract is a criminal violation, punishable by up to a $500 fine, 60 days in jail, or both, plus prosecution costs; the county may also seek an injunction in circuit court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a needle exchange in Palm Beach County?
Is exchanging needles through the program illegal?
Does Palm Beach County pay for the needle exchange program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida public health rules overview
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