News Summary
Florida has become the second U.S. state to ban fluoride in public drinking water after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida Farm Bill. The law, effective July 1, prohibits certain additives in water systems, effectively banning water fluoridation. DeSantis argues it undermines informed consent, raising concerns about fluoride’s potential effects on pregnant women and children. Critics warn that this move may lead to increased tooth decay rates, particularly among children, raising public health concerns as the state shifts away from longstanding fluoridation practices.
Florida has officially become the second state in the United States to implement a ban on fluoride in public drinking water. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 700, known as the Florida Farm Bill, into law on Thursday, which will take effect on July 1. The legislation does not specifically mention fluoride but prohibits the use of “certain additives in a water system,” effectively banning the practice of water fluoridation.
Governor DeSantis argued that mandatory fluoridation equates to “forced medication” and undermines the principle of informed consent. He expressed concerns about potential adverse effects of fluoride, particularly on pregnant women and children. Citing a 2019 study that linked higher fluoride levels in pregnant women to lower IQ scores in their children, the governor, however, acknowledged the inconclusiveness of the study’s findings.
Residents who wish to add fluoride to their drinking water will now be encouraged to do so at home, emphasizing individual choice as a fundamental right. The signing event took place in Miami, where recent efforts to ban fluoride faced challenges, including a local veto from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava last month. The mayor expressed disappointment regarding the state legislature’s decision and referenced the strong consensus among medical professionals about the oral health benefits of fluoridation.
Florida follows Utah, which became the first state to enact a fluoride ban on March 7, 2025. Before this legislative change, approximately 100 public water systems in Florida had been actively fluoridating their water supplies, which has been widely endorsed by public health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These organizations emphasize fluoride’s significance in reducing cavities and dental decay among children and adults.
The push against water fluoridation has gained traction, partially influenced by the wider discussions around medical freedom that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. This growing anti-fluoridation movement includes advocates who align with officials like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously criticized water fluoridation as unnecessary and linked it to potential health risks.
Critics of the ban warn that eliminating fluoride from water supplies may lead to increased rates of tooth decay, particularly among children. Recent research from Israel indicates that a move away from fluoridation in water supplies resulted in a considerable increase in restorative dental treatments. These findings signal a concerning trend that those opposed to fluoridation believe could have dire consequences for public health.
Historically, most Floridians have accessed fluoridated drinking water, especially in urban areas where fluoridation practices have been standard. The recent passage of legislation to ban fluoride is expected to instigate significant changes in public water fluoridation practices across Florida’s counties. The issue of fluoride continues to spur active discussions and debates in several other states, including Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
In contrast, Hawaii has the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest rates of tooth decay among children due to a lack of accessible fluoridated water sources. As the debate over fluoride continues, the implications of Florida’s legislative actions will likely resonate with ongoing discussions nationwide about the health and safety of public drinking water supplies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Fluoride
- NBC News
- Google Search: Fluoride Bans in Florida
- CNN
- Google Scholar: Fluoride Public Health
- The Guardian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fluoride
- Politico
- Google News: Florida Fluoride Ban
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
