Medical X-ray machines are the largest source of man-made radiation exposure to the public. In 1958, the State Board of Health launched a program to inspect radiation-emitting machines.

Today over 21,000 facilities, including hospitals, medical offices, universities, and corporations, have registered more than 64,000 X-ray machines registered with the Florida Department of Health.

Facility information & payment system

View annual radiation machine registration information and pay registration fees. Registration number (JR number) and facility zip code is required.

The Radiation Machine Program works to reduce exposure to workers and the public from machines used for medical, scientific, educational, and industrial purposes, by:

  • Preventing unauthorized use and users
  • Reducing accidental or unintended exposures
  • Eliminating ineffective or inappropriate use of radiation
  • Minimizing the amount of radiation needed to accomplish tasks
Registration Fee Schedule
Notice to Employees (DOC)

Inspections

One way these goals are met is through on-site inspections. The Department inspects each radiation machine on a schedule based on its use. This schedule ranges from annually for mammography and cancer therapy machines to every five years for dental and podiatry machines.

Last year, Department staff conducted more than 15,000 inspections. During these inspections, they:

  • Verify that machines operate as designed
  • Ensure operators are properly qualified
  • Confirm machines are used safely and appropriately

If a machine poses an immediate threat to the public health, the Department requires its removal from service. For less serious issues, owners have 90 days to correct deficiencies.

inspections and compliance

The program ensures that all radiation-emitting machines in Florida meet safety and regulatory standards. Our responsibilities include:

  • Approving new radiation machines before they are placed into service
  • Reviewing and approving inspection procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements
  • Ensuring violations identified during inspections are corrected within required timeframes
  • Managing the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and program under contract with the FDA to guarantee that all mammography units are inspected annually and meet federal quality standards

Through these efforts, we help maintain the highest level of safety for patients, workers, and the public.

Forms
Notices
Resources

American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 
An organization of physicians and scientists designed to disseminate the results of scientific research, promote excellence in patient care and provide opportunities for educational and professional development.

Code of Federal Regulations
Title 21, Part 1020 CFR, which contains regulations for the manufacture of radiation machines, can be found here along with other CFR Titles.

Radiation-Emitting Products 
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health is the part of the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that regulates the manufacture of radiation-emitting devices like x-ray machines.

Whole-Body Computed Tomography (CT) Screening 
Contains the FDA’s statements on the use of CT as a preventive or proactive healthcare measure for healthy individuals who have no symptoms or suspicion of disease. The site also discusses how FDA regulates CT, how a CT machine works, and the radiation risks of CT.

Florida Radiation Laws and Regulations
Information pertaining to Florida Statutes (Chapter 404, F.S.) and Florida Administrative Code (Chapter 64E, F.A.C.)

Mammography Quality Information 
This FDA site contains the federal Mammography Quality Standards Act and program rules, a small business guide to implementing the rules, and GAO reports on the effectiveness of the MQSA.

NVLAP Certified Dosimetry Vendors 
NIST directory of current NVLAP accredited labs. To find labs who are accredited to process personnel dosimeters used to monitor exposure to ionizing radiation, select ionizing radiation dosimetry.