Florida has become the second state in the nation to restrict the addition of fluoride in public water systems, following the passage of Senate Bill 700, part of the broader Florida Farm Bill. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation Thursday during a press conference in Dade City, where he addressed several policy issues, including food labeling and capital punishment.
The new law, which takes effect on July 1, does not specifically name fluoride. Instead, it prohibits municipalities and water utilities from introducing any additives into the water supply that are not explicitly intended to improve water quality or reduce contaminants. This provision effectively limits the use of fluoride, a mineral commonly added to water to prevent tooth decay.
“Use fluoride for your teeth—that’s fine,” DeSantis said during the press event. “But forcing it in the water supply is basically forced medication. People should have the choice.”
The governor emphasized that residents remain free to use fluoride in other forms, such as toothpaste or at-home treatments, and can even add it to their own water if desired.
Shifting Local Policies Reflect Statewide Trend
Even prior to the state-level move, several local governments had already voted to eliminate fluoride from their water systems. Miami-Dade and Seminole counties are among at least 14 jurisdictions across Florida that have opted out of fluoridation in recent months.
According to the Florida Department of Health, around 100 water systems currently add fluoride, including those serving Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, as well as the cities of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. The new legislation is expected to impact many of these systems as local governments and water authorities prepare to comply with the law.
National Context and Public Debate
Florida’s decision follows a similar move in Utah, which became the first state to restrict fluoridation in public water supplies. The national conversation around fluoride has intensified in recent years, particularly following the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration.
Kennedy, a vocal critic of water fluoridation, has referred to the practice as outdated and potentially harmful, calling fluoride an “industrial waste” and a “neurotoxin.” He has linked fluoride exposure to a range of health concerns, including lower IQ, thyroid issues, bone cancer, and developmental disorders. Kennedy has praised Florida’s new law and encouraged a federal review of national fluoridation guidelines.
Scientific and Health Perspectives
Despite growing political opposition, many health organizations continue to support water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that community water fluoridation at the recommended level of 0.7 mg/L helps prevent tooth decay and has been a cornerstone of dental health in the U.S. for nearly 80 years.
“Fluoride helps repair and prevent tooth damage caused by bacteria in the mouth,” the CDC states. The agency also underscores the safety and effectiveness of fluoride dental products when used as directed.
While the debate over fluoridation continues, Florida’s legislation marks a significant shift in how state governments approach public health policy and individual choice in medical prevention.