The purpose of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey is to obtain estimates of the prevalence of personal health behaviors that contribute to morbidity and mortality. The survey was established by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention in 1984 and began with 15 states. BRFSS now collects data in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories. In Florida, BRFSS is conducted not only at the state level, but also at the county level with surveys conducted in 2002, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. Starting in 2017, the Florida Department of Health began using a three-year rolling rate methodology to provide annual county-level data. Rolling rates are calculated by combining data across several consecutive years into one measure. Starting with 2017-2019, survey completes from each of the 67 counties are combined across 3 year survey periods in order to produce statistically valid county-level estimates. This methodology was designed to better meet programmatic needs for local-level data. The target population of BRFSS are people 18 years and older, who reside in a Florida household.

NOTE: Caution should be taken when comparing data from 2013 with previous years due to changes in survey methodology.