Hernando County Opens $600,000 Opioid Settlement Program Applications

Agencies working to address opioid addiction in Hernando County now have 30 days to compete for $600,000 in settlement funds, with the application window opening today and closing April 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Hernando County Housing and Supportive Services announced the 2026 Hernando County Opioid Settlement Program earlier this month, inviting organizations with a stake in reducing opioid misuse to submit proposals. The Board of County Commissioners is specifically seeking projects that address prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts, as well as programs designed to combat the consequences of opioid use and reduce stigma in the community.

The money flows from lawsuits rather than the county's general fund. Hernando County accumulated these settlement dollars through its participation in litigation with the State of Florida Attorney General's Office and others seeking to hold pharmaceutical supply chain participants accountable for damages caused by the opioid crisis.

The full $600,000 could go to a single applicant or be split among several, depending on the projects submitted. The county reserves the right to set each award amount based on project scope, funding availability, and cost feasibility, and partial awards are possible. Notably, indirect administrative costs are not eligible for funding under this program.

Applications are available through the county's grants page at hernandocounty.us/living-here/housingsupportive-services/grants, or in person at the Hernando Housing and Supportive Services office at 621 West Jefferson Street in Brooksville. Completed applications must be submitted by email to HousingandSupportiveServices@hernandocounty.us before the April 20 deadline.

HSS also referenced a separate funding opportunity connected to the LSF Health System Florida Statewide Response in its mid-March announcement, though full details on that program were not immediately available. Agencies interested in either opportunity should contact HSS directly for complete RFA documents and eligibility requirements.