In 2024, the Florida Department of Health highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at improving public health across the state. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo stated, “In 2024, the Florida Department of Health promoted and protected the health of Floridians. Investments into Florida’s public health by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have supported the strengthening of Florida’s health care workforce and infrastructure, improved critical public health programs and services, and championed a science-based, common-sense approach to health for all Floridians.”
One key development was the Cancer Connect Collaborative, which serves as an advisory council within the department. This group developed a long-range plan for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program with input from cancer centers, research institutions, hospitals, and medical providers. The collaborative aims to improve grant opportunities and evaluate patient outcomes while reviewing grants from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund.
Funding for cancer research increased in 2024. The legislature allocated $60 million to the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund—a significant increase from previous years—to support new treatments and prevention strategies. In addition to this fund, over $18 million in grants were awarded through other biomedical research programs focused on various cancers.
Efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce included expansion of the FRAME program (Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education), providing $16 million in student debt relief to more than 1,100 healthcare professionals during Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Dentists became eligible for these awards in this cycle; dental hygienists and certain licensed mental health professionals will be included next year.
A new Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program was also established with a planned investment of $500 million over ten years to address challenges such as workforce shortages and rising costs by offering low-interest loans to organizations seeking innovative solutions.
The department reported handling a record number of unlicensed activity complaints—1,489 cases—which marked a 14% increase compared to last year. Licensing processes remained efficient despite growing demand; more than 123,000 new healthcare providers were licensed with an average processing time of one day per qualified applicant.
Volunteerism played a role as well: over 10,200 licensed providers delivered more than 450,000 medical and dental services across nearly half of Florida's counties through departmental volunteer programs.
During hurricane season in 2024, rapid disaster response efforts included completing or supporting over 600 missions related to patient movement and shelter staffing. Mobile medical units were deployed where needed; environmental teams assessed post-storm conditions at food sites and critical facilities; emergency resources facilitated large-scale evacuations when required.
Children’s health saw improvements through modernized prenatal screening—now available electronically—which reduced wait times for connecting mothers with needed services from an average of 33 days down to five days. Telehealth maternity care served more than 6,400 women across multiple counties with positive outcomes such as fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations.
Screening for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II) was added statewide for newborns in early detection efforts that have already reached over 78,000 infants since implementation began this year.
Early intervention services through Early Steps assisted over 62,000 children—an increase from last year—with most showing gains in social interaction skills or cognitive ability upon program completion.
The Medical Foster Care Program expanded outreach using a recruitment portal that has drawn interest from more than 150 prospective parents since its launch earlier this year; seven new families are now caring for medically complex children after recent training sessions.
Nutritional support continued via reimbursement programs that provided meals daily to approximately 295,000 children throughout child care centers statewide.
The WIC Program introduced Willow—an AI-powered virtual assistant—capable of handling client questions around-the-clock online or by phone calls; Willow managed tasks independently for most users who interacted with it so far.
Legislative actions included passage of CS/CS/SB 1582 establishing grants like those under the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program dedicated toward pediatric rare disease research projects advancing cures via competitive review processes.
Budget allocations reflected these priorities: $232 million was set aside for cancer research—including historic levels directed at innovation funds—and millions more went toward expanding telehealth maternity care access statewide along with funding other screening initiatives.
“In June,” according to department communications,“the Department’s agency bill CS/CS/SB 1582 was signed into law, which also established the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program to advance the progress of research and cures for pediatric rare diseases by awarding grants through a competitive peer-reviewed process.”
Other budget highlights include:
- "$232 million for cancer research...$60 million for...the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund...and $127.5 million for Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program."
- "$10 million...for [the] Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program..."
- "Over $23.3 million" earmarked "to expand Telehealth Maternity Care" access.
- "$500 thousand" designated "for [the] newly established Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program..."
The department continues its mission “to protect, promote[,] and improve” public health “through integrated state county[,]and community efforts.”
For additional information about ongoing initiatives or departmental news visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.