Florida. Dept. of Education.

The Dept. of Education was created in 1969 (Ch. 69-106, Laws). It is headed by the Commissioner of Education who is the chief educational officer for the state. It assumed the responsibilities of the State Dept. of Education (Ch. 19355, Laws) and its predecessor, the Dept. of Public Instruction (Ch. 1686, Laws). Since 1869, these education departments have supervised public education, kindergarten to graduate, in Florida. It carries out the policies and duties authorized by law or by the State Board of Education. The Dept. of Education has five divisions: Public Schools, Vocational Education, Community Colleges, Universities, and Blind Services.