Public health is the science of preventive health of the general public. A public health physician is concerned with prevention of disease by promoting vaccinations and immunizations and other public health services. This physician may have a background in epidemiology, or environmental, behavioral or occupational health. The public health physician may also direct health programs for governmental or private agencies. This specialist analyzes community health trends, and may consult with other physicians, community organizations or welfare agencies.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Florida has 79 practicing public health doctors. Broken out by city, public health doctor density in Boca Raton is 1, in Boynton Beach is 2, in Bradenton is 2, in Carrabelle is 1, in Clermont is 1, in Daytona Beach is 2, in Delray Beach is 3, in Destin is 1, in Doral is 1, in Eustis is 1, in Fernandina Beach is 1, in Fort Lauderdale is 3, in Fort Myers is 3, in Fort Pierce is 1, in Freeport is 1, in Hollywood is 3, in Hurlburt Field is 1, in Indiantown is 1, in Jacksonville is 3, in Jupiter is 1, in Lake City is 1, in Lantana is 1, in Merritt Island is 1, in Miami is 4, in Miramar Beach is 1, in Mount Dora is 1, in Naples is 1, in New Port Richey is 1, in Niceville is 1, in Ocala is 2, in Ocoee is 1, in Okeechobee is 1, in Orlando is 4, in Palm Beach Gardens is 1, in Panama City is 1, in Pensacola is 1, in Port Saint Joe is 2, in Port Saint Lucie is 2, in Riviera Beach is 3, in Saint Augustine is 1, in Saint Petersburg is 2, in Sarasota is 3, in Sebastian is 1, in Seminole is 1, in Stuart is 1, in Tallahassee is 3, in Tampa is 5, in Titusville is 1, in Vero Beach is 1, in Wesley Chapel is 1, in West Palm Beach is 8, in Weston is 1, and in Winter Garden is 1.

Florida’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it a winter destination for many. Population in 2000 was 15,982,378, according to census statistics. Tallahassee, located in the north panhandle area, is the state capital. Tourism is a major industry in Florida, with Cape Canaveral, Disney World, the Everglades National Park, Universal Studios, the Atlantic coast and the Gulf coast all destinations for visitors and residents. Year-round outdoor activities include camping, golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Florida has a population of 17,789,864. Of this population, 3,975,071 are under the age of 18 and 2,978,335 are at or above the age of 65.