The **Florida Surgeon General** is the chief public health officer and senior spokesperson of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), an executive branch agency responsible for protecting and promoting the health of all residents and visitors in the state. The Surgeon General oversees the central FDOH office in Tallahassee along with Florida’s 67 County Health Departments, 22 Children’s Medical Services area offices, 12 Medical Quality Assurance regional offices, nine Disability Determinations regional offices, and three public health laboratories[1][6]. The role is analogous to the Surgeon General of the United States but focused on state-level health policies and initiatives. The Surgeon General is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate, serving a four-year term. The position requires the appointee to be a licensed medical doctor with advanced training or extensive experience in public health administration[6]. Historically, the Florida Surgeon General’s office has evolved as the leadership hub for health policy, disease prevention, wellness advocacy, and public health emergency responses within the state. The Surgeon General’s responsibilities include setting the tone for public health programs, coordinating with local health agencies, advising on vaccine policies, environmental health hazards, and leading public health communications. The office plays a critical role in organizing statewide efforts to improve community health outcomes through data-driven strategies and cooperative agreements with counties[1][4]. Currently, **Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD**, serves as Florida’s Surgeon General. He combines his clinical expertise and health policy research, focusing on cardiovascular risk reduction in disadvantaged populations. Dr. Ladapo’s academic background includes degrees from Harvard and Wake Forest and faculty roles at UCLA and the University of Florida. His leadership has been notable for a strong public presence and controversial stances during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine policy debates that diverged from federal guidance[3][1][6]. Key achievements of the office include its comprehensive oversight of Florida’s broad public health infrastructure and it