Florida has become the second U.S. state after Utah to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, following a new bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The controversial move, announced at a public event in Dade City, is drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and public health advocates.
What the New Law Says
The bill, which takes effect on July 1, prevents all local governments in Florida from adding fluoride or certain other additives to their public water supplies. The state legislature passed the measure last month, and it now officially overrides any local laws or decisions allowing fluoridation.
Gov. DeSantis defended the move by saying, “We have other ways where people can get access to fluoride,” and stressed the importance of individual choice, stating that mass fluoridation removes the public’s ability to avoid fluoride if they choose to.
Miami-Dade Among First to Act
Before the statewide law kicks in, some counties have already acted on their own. Miami-Dade County commissioners recently voted to remove fluoride from the local water system, overriding a veto from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
The mayor had expressed concerns about the decision, saying, “Water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and efficient way to maintain dental health… halting it could have long-lasting health consequences.”
What is Fluoride and Why is It Used?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s been added to drinking water across the U.S. for decades to help prevent tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water fluoridation is considered one of the most successful public health measures in history, especially for improving dental health in low-income communities.
The CDC states that fluoride helps rebuild enamel, prevent cavities, and reduce dental costs for families. However, health experts acknowledge that too much fluoride can cause white spots or streaks on teeth (a condition called dental fluorosis) and, in rare cases, may impact brain development in children.
The Debate: Health Benefit or Health Risk?
The fluoride ban has become politically charged, with some Republican-led states pushing for similar laws. The effort is partly inspired by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been vocal in his opposition to water fluoridation. In Florida, Gov. DeSantis was joined at the bill signing by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a figure who has previously faced criticism for his public health stances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporters of the ban argue that people should not be forced to consume a chemical they may not want in their water. They say that fluoride can still be accessed through toothpaste and dental treatments, offering more personal control over intake.
Opponents, including the American Dental Association and many public health professionals, warn that removing fluoride from public water could lead to a rise in tooth decay, especially in children and low-income families who may have limited access to dental care.
A National Trend?
Florida now joins Utah, which became the first state to ban fluoride in March 2025. As more states consider similar legislation, the future of water fluoridation in the U.S. is uncertain. The outcome could have lasting effects on both dental health and public health policy nationwide.