Department of State
What is the purpose of the department?
The purpose of the Florida Department of State is to improve the quality of life for all Floridians by collecting public records, preserving historical and cultural heritage, promoting economic development, and protecting democracy through the oversight of fair and accurate elections.
What activities are performed by the department?
The department's activities include the following.
- Corporations is the state’s central location for filing business entities, trade and service marks, fictitious name registrations, judgment and federal tax liens, UCC financing statements, and notary commissions and apostilles. It serves as an informational resource for statewide business activities, registrations, and certificates and provides sole proprietors and companies with the legal right to do business in the state of Florida.
- Elections provides administrative support to ensure fair and accurate elections and promotes public participation in the electoral process.
- Library and Information Services promotes and enhances library, records management, and archival services for the state of Florida. It also ensures access to information resources for the citizens of Florida, government agencies, libraries, businesses and educational institutions.
- Historical Resources identifies, documents, protects, preserves, interprets, and promotes Florida's historical and archaeological resources, as well as nurtures an understanding of Florida's diverse cultural fabric and promotes Florida's role in regional, national, and international history.
- Arts and Culture advances, supports, and promotes arts and culture to strengthen the economy and quality of life for all Floridians.
How are these activities funded?
| Fund | Dollars | Positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| STATE, DEPARTMENT OF | |||
| PROGRAM: CORPORATIONS | |||
| COMMERCIAL RECORDINGS AND REGISTRATIONS |
16,119,217
|
101.00 |
|
| PROGRAM: CULTURAL AFFAIRS | |||
| ARTS AND CULTURE |
42,175,255
|
16.00 |
|
| PROGRAM: ELECTIONS | |||
| ELECTIONS |
14,257,409
|
73.00 |
|
| OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY |
2,292,189
|
16.00 |
|
| PROGRAM: HISTORICAL RESOURCES | |||
| HISTORICAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION AND EXHIBITION |
17,751,788
|
80.00 |
|
| PROGRAM: LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES | |||
| LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SERVICES |
35,850,479
|
65.00 |
|
| PROGRAM: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES | |||
| EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES |
21,006,752
|
99.00 |
|
TOTAL |
149,453,089 |
450.00 |
Where can I find information on the department's performance?
Performance measures and standards for the department can be found in its Long Range Program Plan.
Additional Resources
OPPAGA Reports and Presentations
A complete list of related OPPAGA reports and presentations is available on our website.
Other Reports
Florida Department of State, Annual Regulatory Plans
A complete list of Florida Auditor General reports is available on its website.
Websites of Interest
Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Sunbiz
Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, Florida Memory
Florida Department of State, Museum of Florida History
Applicable Statutes
Department Contact Information
Florida Department of State Contact Website
Florida Department of State
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
(850) 245-6500
Website