Florida Department of State

**About the Department** When the 1838 Constitution created the office of the Secretary of State, the Secretary was the keeper of the Great Seal and the custodian of the Laws of Florida. Since that time, the Secretary’s duties have multiplied and expanded. Today, the Secretary of State is Florida’s State Protocol Officer, Chief Election Officer, Chief Arts and Culture Officer, and the head of the Department of State. The Department is organized into the Office of the Secretary, the Divisions of Administrative Services, Corporations, Arts and Culture, Elections, Historical Resources, Library and Information Services, and the Offices of International Affairs and Election Crimes and Security. **Our Mission** The Department of State strives to improve the quality of life for all Floridians. We collect Florida's important public records and preserve its rich historical and cultural heritage for the benefit of generations to come. We interpret Florida's rich history and make it accessible to the public through our nationally recognized museums and historic sites. We help to promote economic development and create a competitive business climate for the state through our business friendly corporate filing environment, grant programs that benefit all communities, enrichment of public libraries statewide, and support for events that attract tourism. We contribute to the establishment of a stable and open state government by providing access to information and protecting democracy through the oversight of fair and accurate elections. These services enhance Florida as a state and provide opportunities for our residents and visitors.