A fluorescent lamp operating apparatus is used for operating a fluorescent lamp, which includes a glass tube coated with a phosphor and has at least mercury sealed therein, by generating an electric field in a direction from an inner surface of the glass tube toward a center of the glass tube. The operating apparatus, for example, includes: a ballast circuit connected to the fluorescent lamp for starting the fluorescent lamp; a potential application member disposed so as to at least partially surround discharge plasma generated in the fluorescent lamp; and a potential application circuit for applying a potential to the potential application member. In such a case, the potential application circuit applies a potential to the potential application member which is higher than the potential of the discharge plasma.