Florida has become the second U.S. state to ban fluoride from public drinking water. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation amid growing support from medical freedom advocates and alignment with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The decision sparked debate between public health officials and personal liberty proponents.
Florida Becomes Second State to Ban Fluoride in Public Water
On Thursday, Florida officially enacted legislation banning the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, joining Utah in taking this step. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the decision at a press event in Trilby, citing the importance of individual choice over government mandates on public health additives.
Support from Medical Freedom Movement and Federal Allies
The move represents a major victory for medical freedom groups, which gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic. These groups have long questioned government health mandates and found strong allies in Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ladapo previously recommended halting fluoride use in public water systems, aligning with Kennedy’s view of fluoride as “toxic waste.”
Governor DeSantis Emphasizes Personal Choice
Governor DeSantis framed the ban as a matter of freedom and personal judgment. “Forcing this in the water supply is trying to take that away from people who may want to make a different decision,” he stated. He criticized what he described as elitist attitudes that undermine people’s ability to make their own health decisions.
Concerns from the Dental and Medical Community
Despite the political support behind the ban, many public health experts, dentists, and professional dental associations opposed the legislation. Fluoride has long been recognized for its role in preventing tooth decay, particularly in children. These professionals argue that fluoride in toothpaste alone is not enough to maintain dental health, especially in underserved communities.
Statewide Impact and Recent Local Shifts
Most Florida municipalities already refrain from adding fluoride, but major population centers—including Miami-Dade County—had continued the practice. However, a recent vote by the Miami-Dade commission reversed that trend, amplifying the impact of the new law. The law, FL SB700 (25R), will take effect on July 1 and also includes provisions aimed at reducing the influence of environmental and social governance policies in state-regulated sectors.
DeSantis and Ladapo’s Joint Messaging
Although Surgeon General Ladapo did not attend Thursday’s press event, he appeared alongside DeSantis in a video shared the night before. In the clip, both officials reiterated their concerns about the long-term health impacts of fluoride, with Ladapo asserting it may affect brain function, intelligence, and behavior. The video also addressed broader medical freedom topics.
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