Coral Springs pharmacist faces emergency license suspension following allegations of altering prescriptions at Publix pharmacy for opioid acquisition
Coral Springs, Florida – A licensed pharmacist working at a Coral Springs Publix has had his professional license suspended after state regulators accused him of altering patient prescriptions to obtain opioid medications for personal use, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The case involves pharmacist Anthony Palumbo, who is now the subject of an administrative complaint filed by state authorities. Officials allege that Palumbo unlawfully modified legitimate customer prescriptions and used them to acquire controlled substances, including oxycodone and Percocet, while employed at a Publix pharmacy in Coral Springs.
State records confirm that an emergency suspension order was issued, immediately placing Palumbo’s license on hold while the investigation continues. The suspension prevents him from practicing pharmacy duties until the matter is resolved through the regulatory process.
According to the complaint, the alleged conduct took place over a period spanning January through August 2025. During that time, investigators say Palumbo altered prescriptions originally written for patients and then used those altered documents to obtain opioid medications for his own use.
The allegations further state that the pharmacist acquired the drugs through methods described in the complaint as involving “misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge.” These claims point to a pattern of conduct that, if confirmed, would represent serious violations of pharmacy regulations and controlled substance laws in Florida.
The medications involved in the case—oxycodone and Percocet—are classified as Schedule II controlled substances. This classification is reserved for drugs that carry a high potential for abuse, even when they are legally prescribed, and are therefore subject to strict oversight and regulation.
Regulators say the administrative complaint outlines multiple alleged violations of state statutes governing both controlled substances and professional pharmacist conduct. These rules are designed to ensure that prescription medications are dispensed safely and only for legitimate medical purposes.
The case will now move forward for review by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, which will determine what disciplinary action, if any, should be taken against Palumbo’s license. Possible outcomes could range from continued suspension to permanent revocation, depending on the findings of the review process.
At this stage, no criminal charges or arrests have been announced in connection with the case. Authorities have not provided additional details regarding whether a separate criminal investigation is underway.
The allegations have raised concerns given the nature of the profession and the strict trust placed in pharmacists who handle controlled medications. Pharmacies operate under highly regulated systems intended to prevent diversion of prescription drugs, particularly opioids, which remain a focus of ongoing public health efforts across the United States.
While the investigation continues, the emergency suspension ensures that Palumbo cannot access or dispense medications in a professional setting. This step is typically taken in cases where regulators believe there may be an immediate risk to public safety.
The final decision now rests with the Florida Board of Pharmacy, which will review evidence, consider the administrative complaint, and determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted. Until then, the case remains open and under official review.
