The Florida Department of Health (DOH) 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 DOH, 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.
The State Surgeon General, who serves as the State Health Officer and is directly appointed by Florida’s Governor, and confirmed by the
Florida Senate. DOH has four deputy secretaries that oversee all of its business and programmatic operations.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH)
DOH All Hazards Resource Center
Florida Special Needs Registry