Department of Military Affairs Mission

The Florida Department of Military Affairs provides management oversight of the Florida National Guard, and provides units and personnel ready to support national security objectives; to protect the public safety of citizens; and to contribute to national, state and community programs that add value to the United States of America and to the State of Florida. The Department of Military Affairs, a state agency created by Chapter 250, Florida Statutes, oversees and provides administrative support to the Florida National Guard. Directly responsive to the Governor of Florida, the Department and the Florida National Guard together operate within the policy guidance and fiscal framework of both federal and state authorities.

In accordance with Chapters 250, 251 and 252, Florida Statutes, The Adjutant General is specifically tasked with (1) the combat readiness and emergency preparedness of the Florida National Guard, (2) responding to disasters and civil disturbances, (3) reducing the importation of controlled substances, and (4) assisting Floridians at risk.

Both the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard Headquarters are located in St. Augustine. The Adjutant General is a federally-recognized general officer serving as both as department head of the Department of Military Affairs and commanding officer of the Florida National Guard. His staff represents a complex blend of full-time and part-time military personnel, federal technicians, state employees, Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen. The joint headquarters is responsible for more than one billion dollars in federal property, armories in 55 communities across the state, and more than 73,000 acres in training lands.

With over $404 million in federal funds and about $24.1 million in state general revenue funding annually, the department manages a force of about 12,000 National Guard members, more than 1,900 full time military personnel, and 335 state employees. Together, the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard are committed to serving the vital interests of the nation, the state, local communities, and Florida’s citizens.