Department of Health

Printer Friendly Version

What is the purpose of the department?

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. The department is the registrar of vital statistics and administrator of laws and rules relating to sanitation, control of communicable diseases, illnesses, and hazards to health among humans and from animals to humans. The department is also responsible for emergency preparedness and disaster response functions; ensures the safety of food and drugs; and, provides surveillance and control of radiological, chemical, biological, and other environmental hazards.

What programs and services does the department provide?

The department provides a wide range of services through a number of programs. The department's major programs are described below.

Children's Medical Services (CMS). This is a collection of programs that serve children with special health care needs using a family-centered model of care with a network of specially qualified physicians, nurses and other professionals around the state.
Community Public Health. This program carries out the department's mission to protect and promote the health and safety of all people in Florida through the delivery of public health services. Program responsibilities also include the delivery of public health services across the state through Florida's 67 county health departments.
Disability Determinations. This program determines eligibility for Florida citizens who apply for disability benefits under the federal Social Security Act or the state's Medically Needy Program.
Medical Quality Assurance. This program regulates health care professionals in order to protect the health and safety of all citizens and visitors to the state who access health care services.

How are these activities funded?

The Legislature funds the Department of Health with appropriations from general revenue as well as from numerous federal and state trust funds.

Fiscal Year: 2020-21

	Fund	Dollars	Positions
HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF
PROGRAM: CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SERVICES
	CHILDREN'S SPECIAL HEALTH CARE	711,490,228	375.50
PROGRAM: COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH
	COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION	910,987,878	229.50
	COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS LOCAL HEALTH NEEDS	1,308,751,292	9,028.51
	DISEASE CONTROL AND HEALTH PROTECTION	520,619,423	616.50
	STATEWIDE PUBLIC HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES	283,223,376	441.00
PROGRAM: DISABILITY DETERMINATIONS
	DISABILITY BENEFITS DETERMINATION	160,982,829	1,040.00
PROGRAM: EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT
	ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT	70,083,137	385.50
PROGRAM: HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER AND ACCESS
	MEDICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE	70,770,687	593.50
TOTAL		4,036,908,850	12,710.01

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
Agency Strategic Plan 2016-2018, Florida Department of Health, Revised May 2017.
The Auditor General reports on department operations are available on its website.
Websites of Interest
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Health, Press Releases
National Institutes of Health
Florida Department of Health, Statistics and Data
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
Public Health Accreditation Board
United Health Foundation, America's Health Rankings
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration
Performance Information
Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Sections 20.43 and 20.435, Florida Statutes.

Whom do I contact for help?

Department of Health, 850-245-4444, email: https://wa-oit-contactus-prd.azurewebsites.net/
Website