The Florida Department of Health has released a summary of its major public health accomplishments for 2025, focusing on improved access to care, emergency preparedness, workforce investments, and health outcomes across the state.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo commented on the year’s achievements, stating: “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 key initiatives highlighted was a new law banning community water additives such as fluoridation statewide. With about 70% of community water systems affected, department officials coordinated with municipalities to end fluoridation practices. In September, rulemaking began to remove childhood immunization mandates, aiming to give families more involvement in health decisions.
The department reported that its Early Steps Program served over 62,000 infants and toddlers in 2025, most showing improvements in development and health. Telehealth maternity care provided free prenatal and postpartum services to more than 9,000 women with high-risk pregnancies. Newborn genetic screenings were expanded for over 175,000 babies. The Child Care Food Program delivered more than 148 million meals daily to nearly 297,000 children and distributed $363 million to childcare providers. Since fall 2024, almost 5,000 swimming lesson vouchers have been issued for young children.
In emergency response efforts, an academic partnership with University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine established the Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services to advance EMS research and training. Investments included $10 million for capital improvements at rural hospitals and $4.9 million for local EMS agencies. Eighteen hospitals were recognized as Resuscitation Centers of Excellence under the expanding Resuscitate Florida initiative.
Research funding also increased during the year: nearly $60 million was allocated through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund for projects at healthcare institutions statewide; pediatric cancer research received $30 million via a collaborative incubator; and a $50 million revolving loan program launched for new healthcare projects.
To address environmental safety concerns, Poison Control Centers managed over 110,000 exposure cases—86% resolved without hospital visits—and the Bureau of Radiation Control conducted thousands of inspections while responding to incidents at public events.
Workforce development saw implementation of universal licensure endorsement through the MOBILE Act to ease practitioner mobility across state lines. There are now a record 1.57 million licensed practitioners in Florida; about 155,000 initial licenses were processed this year alongside over half a million renewals. Regulatory enforcement resulted in more than 8,000 investigations completed.
Financial support continued through programs like FRAME (Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education), which awarded $46 million to nearly 1,300 healthcare professionals—including mental health providers—and distributed additional funds supporting dental practitioners.
Looking ahead into next year, department officials said they will continue prioritizing medical freedom and preventive approaches focused on movement, nutrition and wellness.
According to its accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), the department is recognized nationally for protecting and improving population health through integrated efforts at state and local levels.
For further information about programs or resources from the Florida Department of Health visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
