The Florida Department of Health has released a summary of its major achievements for 2025, highlighting developments in health care access, emergency preparedness, workforce investments, and health outcomes across the state.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said, “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.”
This year saw Florida become the second state in the U.S. to enact a statewide ban on water fluoridation after legislation took effect in July. Approximately 70% of community water systems were affected, with municipalities working alongside the department to halt fluoridation practices. The department also began rulemaking efforts in September aimed at removing mandates for childhood immunizations. According to officials, these changes are intended to promote patient and family engagement with providers and reduce coercion related to existing mandates.
Florida’s public health system expanded services through local offices while coordinating efforts at a statewide level. Programs included Early Steps—which served over 62,000 infants and toddlers—and Telehealth Maternity Care that provided prenatal and postpartum services free-of-charge to more than 9,000 women focusing on high-risk pregnancies. Newborn screening was extended for genetic deficiencies benefiting more than 175,000 babies. Additionally, over 148 million meals were delivered through child care food programs supporting nearly 297,000 children daily.
In emergency response initiatives, an academic partnership with University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine established the Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services—dedicated to advancing EMS research and education statewide. Investments totaling $10 million improved infrastructure at 22 rural hospitals; meanwhile, Florida added its eleventh Level I Trauma Center and enhanced trauma registry systems.
The Resuscitate Florida initiative grew this year with recognition given to 18 hospitals as Resuscitation Centers of Excellence. Nearly $5 million was allocated toward strengthening local EMS agencies’ lifesaving capabilities.
Research efforts received support through funds such as nearly $60 million from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund directed toward projects at healthcare institutions around the state; pediatric cancer research also advanced via new funding streams targeting specialty hospitals.
Other notable measures included Poison Control Centers managing over 110,000 exposure cases—most resolved without hospital visits—and radiation safety oversight involving thousands of inspections across various events.
On workforce development: The Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act created pathways for licensure mobility among practitioners across states while maintaining consumer protections; this led to a record number of licensed healthcare professionals—1.57 million—in service within Florida this year alone.
Programs like FRAME continued distributing financial assistance ($46 million) for medical education participants—including those entering mental health professions—with additional support directed toward dental practitioners statewide.
Looking ahead into next year, department leaders say they will maintain their focus on promoting movement, nutrition, wellness initiatives—and prevention strategies—to reinforce public health leadership within both local communities and broader policy frameworks.
For more information about ongoing programs or future plans from the agency visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
