OPPAGA Government Program Summary

What is the purpose of the department?

The Department of State strives to improve the quality of life for all Floridians by collecting public records, preserving historical and cultural heritage, promoting economic development, and protecting democracy through the oversight of fair and accurate elections.

What activities are performed by the department?

The department's activities includes the following.

Corporations is the state’s central location for filing business entities, trade and service marks, fictitious name registrations, judgment and federal tax liens, UCC financing statements, and notary commissions and apostilles. It serves as an informational resource for statewide business activities, registrations, and certificates and provides sole proprietors and companies with the legal right to do business in the state of Florida.
Elections provides administrative support to ensure fair and accurate elections and promotes public participation in the electoral process.
Library and Information Services promotes and enhances library, records management, and archival services for the state of Florida. It also ensures access to information resources for the citizens of Florida, government agencies, libraries, businesses and educational institutions.
Historical Resources identifies, documents, protects, preserves, interprets, and promotes Florida's historical and archaeological resources, as well as nurtures an understanding of Florida's diverse cultural fabric and promotes Florida's role in regional, national, and international history.
Arts and Culture advances, supports, and promotes arts and culture to strengthen the economy and quality of life for all Floridians.

How are these activities funded?

The funding information listed below is provided by Transparency Florida. Please contact the department for more information on its funding. Additional information about department funding and activities is available on the State of Florida Fiscal Portal.

Fiscal Year: 2024-25

Title	Fund	Dollars	Positions
STATE, DEPARTMENT OF
PROGRAM: CORPORATIONS
	COMMERCIAL RECORDINGS AND REGISTRATIONS	16,100,768	102.00
PROGRAM: CULTURAL AFFAIRS
	ARTS AND CULTURE	32,375,953	16.00
PROGRAM: ELECTIONS
	ELECTIONS	16,452,277	73.00
	OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY	2,234,907	16.00
PROGRAM: HISTORICAL RESOURCES
	HISTORICAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION AND EXHIBITION	71,729,457	82.00
PROGRAM: LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES
	LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SERVICES	35,142,777	65.00
PROGRAM: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
	EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES	19,043,515	103.00
TOTAL		193,079,654	457.00

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Where can I get more information?

Performance measures and standards for the department can be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

Additional Resources

OPPAGA Reports and Presentations
A complete list of related OPPAGA reports and presentations is available on our website.

Other Reports
Florida Department of State, Annual Regulatory Plans
A complete list of Florida Auditor General reports is available on its website.

Websites of Interest
Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Sunbiz
Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, Florida Memory
Florida Department of State, Museum of Florida History

Applicable Statutes

Chapter 15 and s. 20.10, Florida Statutes

Department Contact Information

Florida Department of State Contact Website
Florida Department of State
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6519
(850) 245-6500
Website