Florida Department of Health

**About Us** 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. DOH comprises a state health office (central office) in Tallahassee, with statewide responsibilities; Florida’s 67 county health departments (CHD); 8 Children’s Medical Services (CMS) area offices; 12 Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) regional offices; 9 Disability Determinations regional offices; and 3 public health laboratories. Facilities for the 67 CHDs are provided through partnerships with local county governments. These county health departments have a total of 255 sites throughout the state, providing a variety of services, and ranging from small to large in location size. - [Organizational Chart](https://www.floridahealth.gov/about/_documents/orgchart.pdf "Opens in a new window. (PDF 44kb)") DOH is accountable to the Florida Legislature, the Executive Office of the Governor, all residents and visitors in the state, and the federal government. We are responsive to [priorities](https://www.floridahealth.gov/about/priorities.html) identified by the Governor and Legislature in determining services, associated funding, and delivery mechanisms. - [Statement of Agency Organization](https://www.floridahealth.gov/about/_documents1/doh-statement-of-agency-organization.pdf "FDOH Statement of Agency Organization | PDF | open in new window or tab")