• Department of State
• About the Department

About the Department

When the 1838 Constitution created the office of the Secretary of State, the Secretary was the keeper of the Great Seal and the custodian of the Laws of Florida.

Since that time, the Secretary’s duties have multiplied and expanded. Today, the Secretary of State is Florida’s State Protocol Officer, Chief Election Officer, Chief Arts and Culture Officer, and the head of the Department of State.

The Department is organized into the Office of the Secretary, the Divisions of Administrative Services, Corporations, Arts and Culture, Elections, Historical Resources, Library and Information Services, and the Offices of International Affairs and Election Crimes and Security.

• The Division of Administrative Services houses the agency’s information technology office and is responsible for keeping our data secure. The division also oversees department finances, human resources, and general services.

• The Division of Arts and Culture is Florida’s state arts agency. It offers grant funding opportunities and other resources that support Florida’s creative institutions and promote Florida’s vibrant arts and culture offerings.

• The Division of Corporations is the central location for business filings. Business entities can file online through the Division’s website, Sunbiz.org.

• The Division of Elections ensures fair and accurate elections in Florida. Election staff support the Secretary of State in carrying out duties as Chief Election Officer. Division of Election staff also provide administrative support for the 67 local county Supervisors of Elections.

• The Division of Historical Resources preserves and promotes Florida’s historical and archaeological resources. The Division manages grant programs and directs preservation efforts in cooperation with federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals.

• The Division of Library and Information Services manages the Florida State Library, Florida State Archives, and the state records center. More than 500 of Florida’s public libraries receive grant funding that helps to develop and improve the services they offer to their communities.

• The Office of International Affairs is housed within the Division of Arts and Culture and assists the Secretary of State in their duties as Chief Protocol Officer. The office coordinates with the Department of Commerce and facilitates consular relations between the state and all foreign governments doing business in Florida.

• The Office of Election Crimes and Security was established in 2022 to aid the Secretary of State in their duties as Chief Election Officer. The office has the authority to initiate preliminary investigations based on reports of alleged violations to Florida’s election code.