The Florida Department of Health has reported its major public health achievements for 2025, citing improvements in access to care, emergency preparedness, workforce development, and 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.”
In July 2025, new legislation banned community water additives, making Florida the second state nationwide with a statewide ban on fluoridation. This affected about 70% of community water systems. The department worked with municipalities to implement this change and emphasized informed consent in public health practices.
The department also began rulemaking in September to remove childhood immunization mandates. Officials say this move is intended to increase family involvement in healthcare decisions and reduce coercion from existing mandates.
Throughout 2025, several programs expanded services for families:
– The Early Steps Program assisted over 62,000 infants and toddlers.
– The Telehealth Maternity Care Program provided prenatal and postpartum care at no cost to more than 9,000 women.
– Newborn screening for genetic deficiencies reached over 175,000 babies.
– The Child Care Food Program delivered more than 148 million meals daily to nearly 297,000 children.
– Since fall 2024, almost 40,000 swimming lessons were provided through vouchers for young children.
Emergency response capabilities were strengthened by establishing an academic partnership with the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine to create a new center focused on emergency medical services research and education. Twenty-two rural hospitals received $10 million for capital improvements. An eleventh Level I Trauma Center was designated; enhancements were made to trauma data systems; and $4.9 million supported local EMS agencies.
Research initiatives included nearly $60 million invested in cancer innovation projects at multiple institutions. Pediatric cancer research received $30 million through a collaborative incubator program at four specialty hospitals. A new revolving loan program was launched with $50 million aimed at supporting healthcare innovation projects.
Poison Control Centers managed over 110,000 exposure cases during the year—most resolved without hospital visits—helping reduce pressure on emergency departments. The Bureau of Radiation Control conducted thousands of inspections and responded to incidents statewide.
Workforce efforts included implementation of a universal licensure pathway under the MOBILE Act that increases practitioner mobility across state lines via interstate compacts. There are now a record 1.57 million licensed practitioners available statewide; licensing processes have been streamlined using technology; over 8,000 regulatory investigations were completed; nearly $46 million was awarded through FRAME grants for medical professionals; and dental support programs distributed additional funds for dentists and hygienists.
Looking ahead into next year, department officials say they will continue focusing on steps toward better population health through prevention strategies such as movement, nutrition, wellness promotion—and maintaining an emphasis on individual choice within healthcare.
