Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida approved SB 700 on Tuesday.
This legislation is part of the state’s Farm Bill, a measure that DeSantis has openly supported. Interestingly, it was collected just a day earlier.
DeSantis showed his support for the bill in Miami on Monday, where he remarked on how local governments are prohibiting the unilateral addition of fluoride to public drinking water.
He stated, “There are alternative methods for people to access fluoride.” This comment reflects his belief in providing choice regarding fluoride exposure in water supplies, especially as concerns about health effects arise.
On social media, DeSantis reflected his stance, emphasizing his intention to prioritize community concerns regarding fluoride.
Meanwhile, Florida’s Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has been vocal about the dangers of adding fluoride to public water, suggesting that individuals can enhance their dental health through other means. He made a formal recommendation in November 2024 for communities to eliminate fluoride from their water, with some already considering this change.
The surgeon general expressed concerns over the neuropsychiatric risks of fluoride, particularly impacting pregnant women and children. He pointed to the availability of safer alternatives for dental health, highlighting community health as a priority.
In December, guidance was released advising against water fluoridation due to these potential risks.
Ladapo previously argued that fluoride in water could pose a risk of neuropsychiatric disorders and impair cognitive abilities in children, noting that it’s possible to strengthen teeth without introducing this chemical into the water supply.
This aligns with the views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has raised concerns about fluoride being linked to various health issues. He described fluoride as an “industrial waste” associated with serious medical conditions.
Prior to DeSantis’ recent action, officials in Miami-Dade had voted to remove fluoride from their water supply, reflecting a growing concern among local leaders. Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, who sponsored the removal measure, noted that residents should have the autonomy to decide whether to accept prescribed treatments or to choose clean water.
