On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) enacted legislation making Florida the second state in the U.S. to prohibit fluoride in public water.
The legislation doesn’t mention fluoride directly but bans “the use of certain additives in water systems,” effective from July 1st.
At a gathering in Dade City, DeSantis portrayed the bill as part of a broader movement for medical freedom, stressing the importance of individual choice.
“We can provide fluoride through toothpaste and other means. There’s no need to mandate it and restrict choices,” he stated. “Certainly, using fluoride for dental care is acceptable, but introducing it into water feels like coercion.”
He also noted concerns about fluoride’s negative impacts on pregnant women and children.
In November, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo advised against community water fluoridation, citing potential health risks.
The law was passed by state lawmakers last month, despite pushback from dental professionals and public health advocates.
With Utah being the first state to eliminate fluoride from its water supply as of May 7th, this legislation adds to a growing trend.
Recently, Miami-Dade County Commissioners decided to reconsider plans to override Mayor Daniela Levine Cava’s veto regarding fluoride in the county’s drinking water.
This Florida law reflects a rising opposition to fluoride, coinciding with skepticism expressed by Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toward water fluoridation, despite its historical significance in public health.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring element, aids in preventing tooth decay by reinforcing enamel. Water fluoridation has been standard in the U.S. since 1945, with the CDC endorsing it as a cost-effective method to enhance oral health.
Many major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, support adding fluoride to drinking water as a means to combat tooth decay.
