A fluorescence enhancement phenomenon in the europium (Eu)-Ofloxacin (OF)-Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate (SDBS) fluorescence system was observed when Gd(3+) was added. The fluorescence intensity of the systems was measured (lambda (ex)/lambda (em) = 280/612 nm) at pH 7.8. Under optimum conditions, a linear relationship between the enhanced fluorescence intensity and the Eu(3+) concentration in the range of 5.0 x 10(-10) approximately 2.0 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) was observed. The detection limit of Eu(3+) was 1.46 x 10(-10) mol x L(-1) (S/N = 3). This method was used for the determination of trace amounts of europium in synthetic rare earth samples with satisfactory results. In addition, the interaction mechanism is also studied.