Frank Farmer, Jr., M.D., PH.D, State Surgeon General

“A healthier future for the people of Florida.”

The mission of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) is to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in the state through organized state and community efforts, including cooperative agreements with counties.

The key business functions of DOH are:

1. Identify, diagnose, and conduct surveillance of diseases and health conditions in the state, accumulating health statistics necessary to establish trends.
2. Implement interventions that prevent or limit the impact or spread of diseases and health conditions.
3. Collect, manage, and analyze vital statistics and other health data to inform and formulate public health policy and planning.
4. Maintain and coordinate preparedness for and responses to public health emergencies in the state.
5. Provide or assure the provision of quality health and related services to identified populations in the state.
6. Regulate environmental activities that have a direct impact on public health in the state.
7. Regulate health practitioners, to the extent authorized by the legislature, as necessary for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Learn More About:

• County Health Departments
• Tobacco Free Florida(external link)
• Online Newsroom(external link)