Methodology
Understanding how the Florida Health Index is calculated, where data comes from, and what the limitations are.
How Scores Are Calculated
Signal Standardization
Each environmental signal is converted to a 0-100 score using a quantile-based approach against a historical baseline period (typically 5 years). This allows us to compare signals measured in different units on a common scale.
Signal Score = Percentile Rank of Current Value vs Historical DistributionDirectionality Adjustment
For signals where lower values are better (like pollution levels), the score is inverted so that higher scores always mean better conditions.
Recovery signals like acres restored, native canopy increase
Stress signals like pollution levels, algal bloom intensity
Domain Aggregation
Signals are grouped into five environmental domains. Each domain score is the weighted average of its constituent signals.
Water & Circulation
20% weight
Coastal & Marine
20% weight
Air Quality
20% weight
Habitat & Wildlife
20% weight
Heat & Climate
20% weight
Overall Health Score
The overall Florida Health Score is calculated as the weighted average of all five domain scores, with equal weights by default. The final score ranges from 0 (severe stress) to 100 (excellent health).