state surgeon general

As the Food and Drug Administration weighs approval of COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 5, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is opposed to the potential change.

Dr. Scott Rivkees contradicts much of the evidence given by Florida’s health department in recommending that healthy children need not be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Children with underlying health conditions should consider taking the vaccine and parents "are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits" with their doctor.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo was confirmed Wednesday by the Senate, despite objections from Democrats who criticized his handling of the COVID-19 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 state politics.

During the hearing, Democrats on the committee became frustrated as they rephrased and re-asked questions, but said they felt they weren’t getting a direct response. Despite the protest, Republicans in the Senate Health Policy Committee voted to give Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo their support.

Joseph Ladapo made the comments following the Biden administration's plan to make more at-home coronavirus tests available, while Gov. Ron DeSantis pointed to residents who get tested "multiple times per week" without symptoms.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the state's top medical officer, upset legislators from both parties after refusing to wear a mask when speaking to a state senator with breast cancer and state regulators approve FPL rate increase.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the state's top medical officer, upset legislators from both parties after refusing to wear a mask when speaking to a state senator with breast cancer and state regulators approve FPL rate increase.

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

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson has backed Sen. Tina Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat who is being treated for breast cancer, after an incident in which state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo refused to put on a mask while they spoke.

President Wilton Simpson sent a memo to senators saying it was disappointing to learn of the incident at the office of Democratic state Sen. Tina Polsky.