The Florida Department of Health has reviewed its major public health accomplishments for 2025, reporting progress in healthcare access, emergency preparedness, workforce development, and public health outcomes across the state.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo stated, “From Florida’s rural communities to large cities statewide, the investments by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have allowed the Department of Health to continue improving the everyday lives of Floridians. The Department and our dedicated employees across Florida’s 67 counties have made incredible strides throughout the past year. As we reflect on accomplishments, the unwavering commitment to investing in the health and wellbeing of Floridians is evident.”
Among notable legislative changes in 2025 was a law enacted in July banning community water fluoridation statewide. With about 70% of local water systems affected, municipalities worked with the department to end fluoridation practices. Additionally, in September, rulemaking began to remove requirements for childhood immunizations. The department states these changes are intended to give patients and families greater involvement in healthcare decisions.
The department’s integrated system provided expanded services through its network of offices and laboratories. In 2025:
– The Early Steps Program served over 62,000 infants and toddlers.
– More than 9,000 women received free prenatal and postpartum care via telehealth maternity services.
– Newborn screenings reached over 175,000 babies for genetic deficiencies.
– Over 148 million meals were delivered daily to nearly 297,000 children through childcare food programs.
– Close to 40,000 swimming lessons were provided through vouchers awarded since Fall 2024.
Emergency response saw developments such as a new academic partnership with University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine creating a center focused on EMS research and innovation. Twenty-two rural hospitals benefited from $10 million in capital improvements. A new Level I Trauma Center was designated while trauma registry systems were updated for better healthcare quality monitoring.
Investments included $4.9 million directed at local EMS agencies and expanded training exercises for public health emergencies.
In research initiatives:
– The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund distributed nearly $60 million among projects at healthcare institutions.
– Pediatric cancer research was funded with $30 million allocated through a collaborative incubator program.
– The first year of a revolving loan program saw $50 million invested in innovative healthcare projects.
– A new data dashboard was launched for State Health Improvement Plan metrics.
Efforts continued in environmental safety; Poison Control Centers managed more than 110,000 cases with most resolved outside hospitals. The Bureau of Radiation Control completed thousands of inspections and supported safety at large events.
Healthcare workforce expansion included implementation of universal licensure by endorsement under the MOBILE Act—aimed at improving practitioner mobility across state lines—and processing almost 155,000 initial licenses along with an all-time high number of renewals during the year.
Programs like FRAME awarded millions in assistance grants supporting both medical professionals and dental providers statewide.
Looking ahead into next year, the department plans continued focus on movement toward prevention-focused strategies emphasizing wellness over treatment.
The Florida Department of Health remains nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board.
