Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics – Exemption Letter For Research, Teaching and Testing

It is illegal for a person to possess prescription drugs, or medical gases, without a valid prescription from a licensed practitioner authorized to prescribe the drug.  Florida law recognizes that there are limited instances where the possession of prescription drugs or medical gases, without a valid prescription is warranted.  The department is authorized to issue letters of exemption to facilitate the lawful possession of prescription drugs and medical gases by certain qualified persons for lawful research, teaching, or testing, and not for resale.

Examples of Qualified Persons:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife conducting lawful research activities on free-ranging animals within the State of Florida.
• Florida Law Enforcement Personnel responsible for training K-9 officers
• Plumbers performing purging or cleaning of copper piping.
• Universities performing research protocols.
• Community Colleges for teaching professional programs.

This application form requests information required by the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act, Chapter 499, Florida Statutes.  Only completed applications signed by the authorized representative of the applicant are processed.  Additional information may be required to complete an application.  Fill out the application in its entirety. Failure to do so may result in delay in the permitting process.

General Requirements:

• An explanation and summary of the conditions of the lawful research, teaching or testing;
• The physical and mailing addresses of the establishment where the prescription drug(s) or gases will be stored;
• The specific prescription drug(s) or gases required for the activity;
• The name and state permit or license or permit number of the supplier(s) of each prescription drug(s) or gases;
• The Investigational New Drug application number and cover sheet, if any.

Any questions regarding Exemptions, please contact Stephanie Prine: (p): 850-717-1816 (e): Stephanie.Prine@myfloridalicense.com. 

Online Services

Online Services can be used to apply an exemption letter or renew one. If you have an Online Services login and password please proceed to the Online Services Login page.

NOTICE: Starting on January 1, 2022 we will be changing the way exemptions are issued. The application has been redesigned to reflect changes in the way that information is captured and stored in our database in order to approve the authorization letters. The application will now be asking for the qualified person’s name instead of the business entity name. The business entity name will be entered as part of the contact details section of the new online application and will be viewable on our online verification portal as well as on the authorization letter. This will make it more organized on knowing which exemption belongs to which qualified person if a business/entity has multiple exemptions. This means that DDC will be able to search for an exemption authorization by qualified person instead of trying to search by business/entity.

Also, as of January 1, 2022 exemptions will no longer be renewable; however, they are good for a period of two (2) years. This means that at the end of your two (2) years, you will need to submit a new application for review if you are still in need of an exemption and meet the requirements. Renewals that are received prior to January 1, 2022 will still be processed and a new authorization letter issued. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact Stephanie Prine: (p): 850-717-1816 (e): Stephanie.Prine@myfloridalicense.com.