The public health department is a unit of the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, whose basic purpose is to provide comprehensive outpatient medical care to eligible, low-income citizens. Its responsibilities also encompass the protection of health for all of the county's population.

Services provided are organized within two categories: primary care and environmental health.

Primary care means first-level health services for those with limited incomes. Fees are charged based on income and ability to pay. Services include:

• Comprehensive adult and child health care, such as physical examinations, diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses
• Tuberculosis: skin tests to detect infection, treatment or follow-up care
• Immunization
• AIDS screening
• Venereal disease
• Well-child examinations, testing, measurements, immunizations, counseling and referral
• Pregnancy testing
• Prenatal care
• Family planning, birth control, education and counseling
• Supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC)
• School health services: assist teachers, students and parents
• Medicaid/Medicare screenings: preventative screening for Medicaid recipients under 21
• Children's medical services (MS): a program for crippled or afflicted children with chronic disabilities

Environmental health
encompasses inspections, monitoring programs, education and investigations in the areas of food hygiene.