Florida Surgeon General

Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo explained the state plans to expand access to HIV testing and treatment.

The surgeon general has not used the power since it was put in state law in 2002. But the Republican-controlled Legislature moved forward this week with repealing it during a special session that focused on pushing back against vaccination and mask mandates.

A USA Today Network report says Dr. Joseph Ladapo's hiring at the University of Florida was fast-tracked ahead of his appointment to surgeon general.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried condemn Gov. Ron DeSantis's newly appointed surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo. Both want Florida senators to deny Ladapo's confirmation.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo said he cannot communicate clearly with a mask and offered to meet outside with a state senator who has breast cancer.

A letter to state senators from the national group Committee to Protect Health Care outlined a series of questions about Dr. Joseph Ladapo’s positions, including his opposition to required masks in schools.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo, a professor with the University of Florida College of Medicine. says vaccination "has been treated as a religion" and is not the only path to good health.

Safety measures like proof of vaccination will make customers feel more protected, the store's co-owner and legal counsel said.

Scott Rivkees announced he will leave his post as surgeon general and secretary of the Florida Department of Health next month. But the move comes amid a surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Dr. Scott Rivkees' rescinds previous advisories on COVID-19, including expansion of vaccine access to certain nonresidents and the return of in-person services for government offices.