About Us

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) was established by the Florida Legislature in 1996; however, public health has its roots in Florida dating back to 1888 with the creation of the Florida State Board of Health. In 2007, the first-ever State Surgeon General was established to spearhead the efforts of FDOH, thereby designating a health officer to oversee all matters of public health. The Surgeon General’s role is to be the state’s leading advocate for wellness and disease prevention.

FDOH is an executive branch agency, established in section 20.43, F.S. FDOH is led by a State Surgeon General, who serves as the State Health Officer and is directly appointed by Florida’s Governor, and confirmed by Florida’s Senate. FDOH has three deputy secretaries that oversee all of its business and programmatic operations.

FDOH is comprised of a state health office (central office) in Tallahassee, with statewide responsibilities; Florida’s 67 County Health Departments (CHDs); 22 Children’s Medical Services (CMS) area offices; 12 Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) regional offices; nine Disability Determinations regional offices; and three public health laboratories. Facilities for the 67 CHDs are provided through partnerships with local county governments. These 67 CHDs have a total of 255 sites throughout the state, providing a variety of services, and ranging from small to large in location size.

Organizational Chart

FDOH is accountable to the state legislature, the Executive Office of the Governor, all residents and visitors in the state, and the federal government. FDOH is responsive to priorities identified by the Governor and the legislature in determining services, associated funding, and delivery mechanisms. Annually, the state legislature passes a budget, approved by the Governor, and creates or amends laws that direct FDOH’s actions.

FDOH Statement of Agency Organization

Florida Health is the brand name of the Florida Department of Health

Florida Health represents the vision that health belongs to everyone and every group—not just a state agency. It takes individuals, families, communities, and partnerships with local and state-level policy makers and stakeholders to create a culture of health in Florida. While our agency is the spearhead for public health in the state, we are all stewards of health in Florida. Florida Health belongs to all of us.

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