Florida Surgeon General

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo was confirmed by the Senate, despite objections from Democrats who criticized his handling of the pandemic.

Only a few states have a surgeon general. Florida has had one since 2007, but critics say the job serving as the top advocate for wellness and disease prevention has changed because of politics.

A Republican-controlled panel votes 5-4 along party lines after Democrats questioned Dr. Joseph Ladapo for nearly two hours over his views on COVID. The nomination next moves to a full Senate vote.

The comments on Dr. Joseph Ladapo were in an FDLE background check requested by the state Senate as part his confirmation process and made public just before his second confirmation hearing.

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.