Department of State

What is the purpose of the department?

The Department of State seeks to improve the quality of life for all Floridians by

	•	promoting economic development through a business-friendly corporate filing environment;
	•	promoting economic development through the arts;
	•	providing access to information and protecting democracy by overseeing fair and accurate elections;
	•	collecting important public records and preserving the state’s cultural heritage and historical resources; and
	•	enriching public libraries and supporting events that attract tourism.

What are the major responsibilities of the department?

The department is responsible for five major programs.

	•	Corporations. Maintains and makes available to the public certain information on businesses operating in Florida and certain financial transactions that take place in the state, such as the filing of business entities, trade and service marks, judgment liens, and fictitious name registrations.
	•	Cultural Affairs. Improves the quality of life in Florida by promoting programs with cultural and artistic significance that have an economic impact on the state, including museums.
	•	Elections. Interprets and implements Florida’s election laws and promotes public awareness and participation in the electoral process.
	•	Historical Resources. Encourages identification, evaluation, protection, preservation, collection, conservation, interpretation of, and public access to information about Florida's historic sites, properties, and objects related to Florida history and to archaeological and folk cultural heritage.
	•	Library and Information Services. Preserves and stores state records, provides public access to state information, administers grants and provides consultative/training services to improve local library services throughout the state.

What additional functions of interest to the public does the department perform?

As the official custodian of the Florida State flag, the department provides flags for public loan, including flags of the United Nations counties, all 50 states, and Florida’s past. The department also provides information regarding the display of flags.

What is the department’s budget?


		FISCAL YEAR BUDGET 2011-12
STATE, DEPARTMENT OF		DOLLARS	POSITIONS
PROGRAM: CORPORATIONS
	COMMERCIAL RECORDINGS AND REGISTRATIONS	7,655,456	108.00
PROGRAM: CULTURAL AFFAIRS
	CULTURAL AFFAIRS	6,581,861	36.00
PROGRAM: ELECTIONS
	ELECTIONS	13,718,820	54.00
PROGRAM: HISTORICAL RESOURCES
	HISTORICAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION AND EXHIBITION	8,099,970	52.00
PROGRAM: LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES
	LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SERVICES	37,496,132	80.00
PROGRAM: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
	EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES	7,669,377	86.00
TOTAL		81,221,616	416.00

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Where can I get more information?

OPPAGA Reports

A complete list of OPPAGA reports pertaining to the department is available on our website.

Other Reports

Auditor General reports on department operations are available on its website.

Websites of Interest

National Association of Secretaries of State

Division of Library and Information Services, Flag Collection

Performance

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Chapter 15 and s. 20.10, Florida Statutes.

Whom do I contact for help?

Chris Cate, Communications Director, (850) 245-6527, email: Chris.Cate@dos.myflorida.com

Website

Governmental Support, Intergovernmental and Community Affairs, Arts, Corporations, Cultural Heritage, Elections

The Florida Legislature

Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

4098.01

Office of the Secretary and Administrative Services

The Office of the Secretary and Administrative Services program consists of five main units.

•	Division of Administrative Services includes three components.
	º	Departmental Services is responsible for department personnel and training issues as well as the administration and coordination of purchasing, mail, maintenance, and telecommunications.
	º	Planning, Budget & Financial Services prepares the department’s legislative budget requests, long-range program plans, and operating budgets. This subunit also administers and coordinates the department’s accounting system including preparation of financial statements and reports as well as having financial control over contracts and grants.
	º	Departmental Operations and Technical Support manages and coordinates computer services including e-mail services, procurement of computer equipment, and information security.
•	General Counsel provides legal services to the department including legal advice and counsel, reviewing legal opinions and proposed legislation, and representing the department in legal litigation.
•	Office of Communications supervises and coordinates the department’s public information and media relations activities.
•	Office of Inspector General promotes accountability, integrity, and efficiency by providing the department objective, timely audit and investigative services.
•	Office of Legislative Affairs supervises the department’s legislative agenda and identifies needed legislative changes. The unit also drafts bills and tracks department legislation as well as taking the lead with constituent issues generated by legislative offices that affect the department.

The Florida Legislature

Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability