Florida Department of Health

This Memorial Day, we pause with gratitude to honor the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and love for others will forever live on in the freedoms we hold dear. We remember not only their service, but the families and loved ones who carry their legacy forward each day. In observance of the holiday, the Florida Department of Health offices and local county health departments will be closed.

In Florida, 1 out of every 5 homes has elevated radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, and invisible gas that can go undetected without testing. Because there are no signs or symptoms, the only way to know if your home is affected is to test. Testing your home is simple, affordable, and an important step in protecting your long-term health. High radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer, but taking action early can make a difference. Learn more about testing and sign-up to receive a free testing kit at FloridaHealth.gov/Radon. #Radon #RadonTesting #FloridaHealth #RadonAwareness

Florida’s beautiful coastline is made for summer fun — but staying safe in the water is just as important!. Warm saltwater can naturally contain bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus, which can enter the body through cuts, scrapes, or open wounds and may cause serious infections. Even small breaks in the skin can increase your risk while swimming in warm coastal waters. You can also be exposed to Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Before heading into the water, take a moment to check your skin and protect any open wounds, and make sure to cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. Learn more about Vibrio and how to stay safe this summer at FloridaHealth.gov/Vibrio #SafeSwimmingWeek #SummerSafety #Vibrio #WaterSafety

Hurricane season is almost here! Take some time this month to get prepared. Being ready now helps keep you and your family safe. ⚡️Check your emergency supplies ⚡️Go over your hurricane plan with your family ⚡️Secure outdoor items ⚡️Know your evacuation route ⚡️Gather important documents Learn more at FloridaHealth.gov/Emergency #HurricanePrep #FloridaHurricaneSeason

A message from our local Boy Scouts on how you can help prevent rabies in your community! 🐾 Here’s how you can stay safe: avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals, keep pets up to date on vaccinations, and report any potential exposures to your local health department. If you think you’ve been exposed, don’t wait—contact your healthcare provider right away. Visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies for more information. #PreventRabies #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth #HealthyFlorida

Not feeling well? Take a break from the pool. 🏊 Swimming while sick can spread germs and introduce contaminants into the water, putting other swimmer's health at risk. This #SafeSwimmingWeek, we all play a role in keeping pools safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. Stay out of the water when you're felling unwell to help protect your community. #WaterSafety #CommunityHealth #HealthySwimming

This is your reminder to check your disaster supply kit or start building one. Having essential items such as medications, medical equipment supplies, backup batteries, food, water, and important documents ready can make a major difference when a storm approaches. A well-prepared supply kit helps keep individuals and families safe and supports stronger, more resilient communities during hurricane season. FloridaHealth.gov/Emergency #HurricanePreparedness #BeReady #HurricaneSupplyKit #StaySafeFlorida

You only get one set of eyes. Are you taking care of them? 👀 In honor of #HealthyVisionMonth, here are a few simple ways to protect your vision: ✔️ Book your eye exam (many issues show no early signs) ✔️ Know your family history ✔️ Eat foods that support eye health ✔️ Quit smoking ✔️ Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection ✔️ Take screen breaks throughout the day Start with one habit today and your future vision will thank you! #EyeExam #HealthyFlorida #EyeCare #EyeProtection

For many Floridians, seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and also trigger asthma symptoms. As we experience more warm weather, pollen, mold, and changing air conditions can make breathing more difficult for those with asthma. Knowing your triggers, limiting exposure when possible, and following your asthma management plan can help you stay healthy during allergy season. It's important to talk with your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage asthma and allergies year-round. Learn more at FloridaHealth.gov/Asthma #AsthmaAwareness #AllergySeason #HealthyFlorida

The summer is all about having fun, but keeping water safety in mind is essential. Drowning can happen in seconds and often without warning. Even with a lifeguard present, it’s critical to actively supervise children and keep a close watch on anyone in or near the water. Your focus can help prevent tragedy. Be WaterSmart, visit FloridaHealth.gov/WaterSmart #WaterSafety #DrowningPrevention #WaterSafetyMonth

Thank you to @UF for hosting today’s announcement recognizing the recipients of the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program grants. The Florida Department of Health and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo are proud to support the institutions leading the way in Alzheimer’s disease research. Florida remains committed to advancing innovation that brings us closer to better treatments and new hope for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. bit.ly/3RzGtd2 #FloridaHealth #AlzheimersResearch #FightAgainstAlzheimers

Did you know the Florida Department of Health conducts routine inspections of public swimming pools to help ensure they are clean, sanitary, and safe for swimmers? 🤿 If you’ve ever visited a public pool and noticed it was temporarily closed by the county health department, it may be because conditions were found to be unsafe. Pools are reopened once required corrections are made and safety standards are met. We work year-round to help protect public health so Floridians can enjoy the water safely. Learn more about public swimming pool safety and inspections at FloridaHealth.gov/Public-Swimmin…. #PublicSwimmingPools #PublicSafety #WaterTesting

In Florida, summer heat can arrive quickly and bring serious health risks. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support your health during the warmer months. Whether working outdoors or spending time in the sun, drink water regularly, seek shade when possible, and take breaks to cool down. Small daily habits like these can make a big difference. To learn easy habits that support your well-being, look into the Florida 50 Challenge at HealthierYouFL.com/Florida50. #Florida50Challenge #BeatTheHeat #HealthyFlorida

Sunshine is one of the best parts of living in Florida, but too much sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. A few simple habits can help protect you from harmful UV rays: ☀️ Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply ☀️ Check the daily UV index before spending time outdoors ☀️ Schedule regular skin checks and visit a dermatologist as needed #SunSafety #SkinCancerAwareness #FloridaHealth #MelanomaMonday

Did you know Florida's beach water is routinely monitored to help keep our residents and visitors safe? Our Healthy Beaches Program regularly tests for bacteria across the state. When water quality results show elevated bacteria levels, advisories are issued to help protect the public until conditions improve. Florida also shares current information on harmful algal blooms, including red tide. Before heading out to the beach, check the local conditions and swim smart! Learn more at FloridaHealth.gov/AquaticToxins #FloridaHealthyBeaches #WaterTesting

Now Hiring in Tallahassee! We are looking for an experienced Biological Scientist IV to join the Florida Department of Health and support impactful public health work statewide. If you have experience leading research projects and working with complex data, we encourage you to apply today. jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSE… 🚨 Applications close May 18. #PublicHealth #CareerOpportunity #BiologicalScientist #TallahasseeFlorida

What does a day in the field look like for environmental engineering staff? Well, it’s not your typical desk job. During a recent visit to Lee County, environmental public health professionals took to the water, traveling by boat to Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Upper Captiva. Their mission? Conduct well inspections, collect water samples, and ensure local water systems meet safety and code standards. The experience offered a closer look at the dedication and physically demanding work required to help keep Florida's communities safe. Learn more about employment opportunities that support environmental public health in Florida at bit.ly/3P6LQzx #FloridaHealth #EnvironmentalPublicHealth

Mosquitoes and other insects become more active as it starts to warm up outside. Not only are their bites a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases that pose health risks. 🦟 Protect yourself and your family by keeping mosquitoes out of the home, draining standing water where they breed, and covering skin with long sleeves and insect repellent when enjoying the outdoors. #BitePrevention #mosquitoes #floridahealth

Looking for new ways to bring healthy meals to your table? Swipe through for simple recipe ideas that are both nourishing and flavorful. For more healthy eating tips and resources visit HealthierYouFL.com/Healthy-Eating. View meal inspiration and guidance on adding healthy fats, reducing sodium, and so much more. Save this post for later and share it with a friend! #HealthyMeals #HealthierYou

It's SWAT Month! This month, we're recognizing the importance of youth voices in tobacco prevention. While the long-term effects of e-cigarettes use are still unknown, the risks are very real. Students Working Against Tobacco helps empower young people with information, advocacy, and leadership opportunities to stand up for healthier choices and a tobacco-free future. #SWATMonth #StudentsWorkingAgainstTobacco #TobaccoFree