Syphilis is curable, and in Florida the numbers are finally moving in the right direction. But the infection still reaches thousands of Floridians each year, and hundreds of babies are born with it. Knowing the signs and getting tested is the best protection for you, your partners, and your family.
This guide covers the latest Florida syphilis data, the four stages of syphilis and their symptoms, what pregnant people need to know, and where to get tested and treated.
Key takeaways
- Infectious syphilis cases in Florida have fallen since 2023, but congenital syphilis remains a serious concern.
- Syphilis moves through four stages, and symptoms can fade even though the infection stays.
- A simple blood test finds syphilis at any stage.
- Syphilis is curable with antibiotics. Pregnant people should be tested more than once during pregnancy.
Syphilis in Florida by the numbers
Infectious syphilis includes the primary and secondary stages, when the infection spreads most easily. According to the Florida Department of Health, cases have dropped for two years in a row:
The number that has not improved enough
Florida recorded 230 cases of congenital syphilis in 2025, or 102.0 per 100,000 births. That is down from a peak of 280 in 2022, but it is still far too high. Nationally, congenital syphilis rose for the 12th year in a row in 2024. Nearly every case can be prevented with testing and treatment during pregnancy.
These numbers only count people who were tested and diagnosed. Because syphilis can be silent for years, some Floridians have it without knowing. Testing is what turns hidden cases into cured cases.
Fewer cases is real progress. It does not mean syphilis is gone. If you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, regular testing is still important.
How syphilis spreads
Syphilis spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also pass from a pregnant person to their baby. It does not spread through casual contact like sharing toilet seats, hugging, or using the same dishes.
Sores can be painless and hidden inside the vagina, rectum, or mouth, so many people do not know they have them.
The four stages of syphilis and their symptoms
Syphilis moves through stages when it is not treated. Symptoms can come and go, which is one reason people miss it.
STAGE 1
Primary syphilis
One or more sores where the infection entered the body. Sores are usually firm, round, and painless, and they last 3 to 6 weeks. They heal on their own, but the infection does not go away.
STAGE 2
Secondary syphilis
A skin rash, often rough red or reddish-brown spots on the palms or soles, which usually does not itch. You may also have fever, swollen glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, muscle aches, and tiredness.
STAGE 3
Latent syphilis
No signs or symptoms. The infection stays in the body and can last for years. The only way to find it is a blood test.
STAGE 4
Tertiary syphilis
Rare, but serious. It can appear 10 to 30 years after infection and damage the heart, blood vessels, brain, and nerves. It can be fatal.
Syphilis can affect the brain, eyes, and ears at any stage
Neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, and otosyphilis can cause severe headache, muscle weakness, eye pain or redness, changes in vision, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears. Seek care right away if you notice these symptoms.
Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis
Syphilis can pass to a baby during pregnancy. The Florida Department of Health warns that up to 40% of babies born to people with untreated syphilis may be stillborn or die from the infection as newborns. Babies who survive can have bone problems, severe anemia, blindness, deafness, or meningitis.
The good news is that congenital syphilis is preventable. Florida rules require syphilis testing:
First prenatal visit
At the first exam for the current pregnancy.
28 to 32 weeks
Again early in the third trimester.
At delivery
For people at increased risk, or without a record of testing after 27 weeks.
Penicillin is the only treatment known to cure syphilis in the baby, so pregnant people who test positive should start treatment right away. Partners need testing and treatment too, to prevent reinfection. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, DUG’s women’s healthcare team can help you get tested.
How syphilis testing works
Syphilis is usually diagnosed with a blood test. If you have a sore, your provider may also test fluid from it. Many people get syphilis testing as part of a full STI panel. At DUG, you can get confidential HIV and STD testing that includes syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea in one visit.
The CDC recommends that gay and bisexual men get tested for syphilis at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months with multiple or anonymous partners. Anyone with a sore or rash they cannot explain, or a partner who was diagnosed, should get tested now.
Syphilis treatment
Syphilis is curable with the right antibiotics. Treatment cannot reverse damage that already happened, which is why early testing matters.
A note on the penicillin shortage
The main penicillin shot used for syphilis, Bicillin L-A, has been in short supply in the United States. The CDC expects full recovery in late 2027. Supplies are being saved for pregnant patients, and other people may be offered doxycycline instead. Treatment is still available, so do not delay getting tested.
After treatment, you will need follow-up blood tests, usually at 6 and 12 months, to make sure the treatment worked. Avoid sex until your sores have healed and your provider says it is safe, and make sure your partners are tested.
What to expect at your visit
Step 1
Walk in or book
Come to any DUG clinic or book online. You will fill out a short, confidential form.
Step 2
A quick blood draw
Your provider takes a small blood sample, and swabs any sore you may have.
Step 3
Results and next steps
Lab results usually come back in 2 to 3 business days, and we contact you securely.
Step 4
Treatment and follow-up
If you test positive, we start treatment and schedule follow-up blood tests to confirm it worked.
Syphilis and HIV
Syphilis sores make it easier for HIV to enter the body, so having syphilis can raise your risk of getting HIV. People living with HIV can also get syphilis, and regular testing is part of good HIV care. If you test positive for syphilis, your provider will usually recommend an HIV test as well, and may talk with you about PrEP if you are HIV-negative.
Telling your partners
Anyone you had sex with during the time you may have been infected should get tested, even if they feel fine. Your provider will explain how far back to go, since it depends on the stage of your infection.
In Florida, health department staff may reach out to help with confidential partner notification. They will never share your name with your partners. You can also ask your DUG provider for help deciding how to share the news.
How to protect yourself
Simple steps that lower your risk
- Get tested on a regular schedule that fits your sex life.
- Use condoms correctly every time. They lower the risk, but a sore outside the covered area can still spread syphilis.
- Tell partners if you are diagnosed so they can get tested and treated.
- Ask about DoxyPEP. For some people, doxycycline taken within 72 hours after sex lowers the chance of syphilis.
- If you are pregnant, get tested at your first prenatal visit and again early in the third trimester.
Learn more about our PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP services, including who DoxyPEP is recommended for.
Syphilis is easy to miss and easy to treat. A simple blood test is all it takes to know.
Know the other common STIs
Syphilis often travels with other infections. Read our guides to chlamydia symptoms in men and women and gonorrhea symptoms and treatment, both of which are tested at the same visit.
Where to get syphilis testing and treatment in Florida
DUG offers confidential syphilis testing and treatment at seven clinics across Florida, including our Miami, Hialeah, and Orlando locations, plus Miami Springs, Dania Beach, Tallahassee, and Milton. Walk-ins are welcome and no insurance is required. Find the clinic closest to you on our Find a Clinic page.
Your local county health department is another option. Every Florida county has one, and many offer STI testing.
Frequently asked questions
Infectious syphilis cases in Florida fell from 4,376 in 2023 to 2,903 in 2025, according to the Florida Department of Health. Congenital syphilis is still a serious concern, with 230 cases reported in 2025.
It is usually firm, round, and painless. It can appear on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth, and it can be hidden inside the body. It heals in 3 to 6 weeks even without treatment, but the infection stays.
Yes. Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, usually a penicillin injection. Treatment cannot undo damage that has already happened, so early testing matters.
Yes. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again. Regular testing and treating partners help prevent reinfection.
Florida requires testing at the first prenatal visit and again at 28 to 32 weeks. People at higher risk are also tested at delivery.
No. Symptoms like sores and rashes can fade without treatment, but the infection stays in the body and can cause serious harm years later. Only antibiotics cure syphilis.
Usually with a blood test. If you have a sore, your provider may also test fluid from it.
Book a syphilis test at DUG
Confidential testing and treatment across Florida. No insurance required. Call (877) 384-6337 or book online.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician for personal health concerns.
References
External links are limited to government health sources and open in a new tab.
- Syphilis, Infectious, Florida Health CHARTS. Florida Department of Health.
- Syphilis, Congenital, Florida Health CHARTS. Florida Department of Health.
- Congenital Syphilis. Florida Department of Health.
- About Syphilis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Primary and Secondary Syphilis, STI Treatment Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Syphilis During Pregnancy, STI Treatment Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Prenatal Syphilis Screening Laws (2025). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Updates on Bicillin L-A Shortage. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2024 (Provisional). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Doxy-PEP. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.