On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted SB 700, a new law that stops local governments from adding fluoride and other medical substances to the public water supply in the state.
“I think fluoride in your water is really just forced medication,” DeSantis remarked during a press event in Tallahassee, emphasizing that every individual should have informed consent regarding what goes into their bodies.
This legislation, part of a broader initiative known as the Florida Farm Bill, doesn’t completely outlaw fluoride. Residents can still buy fluorinated water from private vendors. However, it clearly sets boundaries for government involvement in personal choices about water quality.
In a related move, Utah has also prohibited fluoride in its public drinking water, aligning with the Maha movement.
“In the Sunshine State, we want to keep our water free from unnecessary additives,” Senator Keith Truneau commented, adding that Floridians deserve to make their own choices without government mandates.
Wilton Simpson, Florida’s agricultural commissioner and a supporter of DeSantis, argued that this decision is about ensuring Floridians aren’t forced into medication without their agreement. “It’s a significant step to ensure our drinking water is just that—drinking water, not medicine.”
This decision aligns with the national “Make America Healthy” initiative promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Brian Griffin, communication director for DeSantis, expressed that prohibiting local governments from adding fluoride emphasizes Florida’s commitment to being a free state. He mentioned that this decision reflects a reaction against distrust in healthcare that has emerged during the pandemic.
DeSantis noted, “People are skeptical when they feel something is being forced on them. The responsibility is on those in power to convince the public why this is necessary.”
Additionally, the law promotes support for Florida’s agricultural community along with new transparency regulations and restrictions related to environmental, social, and governance practices affecting farmers.
On social media, DeSantis stated, “Florida will not serve as a test site for geoengineering. Our state stands for freedom from both government and private entities that wish to impose chemicals on the public.”
Some opponents of SB 700 argue that fluoride has historically been an effective tool in preventing dental decay, especially in children. However, DeSantis referenced updated concerns from the state surgeon general, who has pointed out possible risks associated with fluoride exposure for pregnant women and infants.
“You don’t have to agree with that perspective,” the governor said, “but citizens should still have the choice to opt out.”
As of now, there has been no immediate statement from Kennedy regarding these developments.
