DEA – Controlled Substances
The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces regulations related to the importation, manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of controlled substances. To conduct research at UF involving any of these substances, Principal Investigators must obtain a DEA registration.
How To File a DEA Registration
You may file a DEA registration for controlled substances once a Florida DBPR exemption number is received. Registrations can be completed online using the 225 application. UF researchers are exempt from the DEA registration fees. Please enter the PI’s department chair or dean’s name under the “Official’s Name” on the application. Once document is received, a copy must be uploaded in the DEA/DBPR File Database. Please see our how to use DBPR-DEA upload form guide for assistance.
DEA Controlled Substances Requirements
As an active DEA registrant, you must:
- Properly screen and document, using the Authorized Personnel Log and Questionnaire, the laboratory staff who will use the controlled substances for research under your registration.
- Properly store controlled substances per DEA regulations.
- Maintain all records for a period of 3 years (minimum)
- Renew the DEA registration on an annual basis.
- Properly dispose of unwanted or expired controlled substances through a reverse distributor. The PI must maintain a valid DEA registration to dispose of any controlled substance.
- Report any theft or unaccounted significant losses to DEA (within 24 hours) using Form DEA-106 and to UPD.
Required Documentation
| Category | Form/Template | Notes/Requirements |
| Personnel | Authorized User Questionnaire | Certify each person (e.g., PI, lab personnel) who will handle controlled substances as part of a research protocol. Registrants may chose to conduct a background check. |
| Personnel | Authorized User Log | List each person (e.g., PI, lab personnel) allowed to handle controlled substances for research use as an authorized agent or authorized personnel. |
- Name, address, and DEA registration number of registrant.
- Controlled substance name, concentration, dosage form, and quantity.
- Include signature of authorized personnel receiving the substance and date received.
- Amount withdrawn
- Waste amount (if applicable), and
- Remaining balance through final disposal
Disposal
Unwanted or expired controlled substances must be disposed of through a reverse distributor. The following is a list of DEA-registered reverse distributors in Florida:
- Cavu Medical Products & Services LLC DBA Pharmatech Services: (813) 749-7113
- Clean Harbors Florida LLC: (863) 519-6331
- Express RX Returns: (954) 589-2386
- PharmaLink: (800) 257-3527
- Rx Return Services: (727) 754-7848
- Rx Reverse Distributors Inc.: (772) 388-1212
- Woodfield Distribution LLC: (561) 998-3885
Resources
- DEA Researchers Manual
- How to use DBPR-DEA upload form guide
- Online Training: EHS900 – Managing Controlled Substances in Research Laboratories
- RESEARCH SERVICES & SAFETY
- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT
- FACILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
