Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics – Prescription Drug Importation Programs

Legislation enacted under CS/HB 19 authorizes the establishment of two new programs to import safe and effective, FDA approved prescription drugs into the state of Florida: the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program under the Agency for Healthcare Administration and the International Prescription Drug Importation Program under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Additionally, the bill contains various provisions and requirements to ensure compliance with federal law and to set safety standards consistent with the current federal requirements. While the effective date of this bill is July 1, 2019, federal approval of both programs must be obtained before either becomes active.

Upon federal approval, the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program will focus on the importation of drugs for programs such as Medicaid, the Department of Corrections and county health departments. For additional information related to the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program, please visit the AHCA website.

Upon federal approval, the International Prescription Drug Importation Program will allow prescription drug importation from other countries in addition to Canada through the creation of two new permit types and a registration process. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will be responsible for implementing a new international prescription drug wholesaler permit and The Florida Department of Health will be responsible for creating a new international export pharmacy permit. In addition, a registration process for participating importers and exporters will be created by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For additional information related to the international export pharmacy permit, please visit the Florida Department of Health website.

Please check this page for further updates on the International Prescription Drug Importation Program and the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program.