Florida Department of Health

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.