Florida Moves to Ban Fluoride in Drinking Water

Florida legislators have approved a bill that would ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water systems across the state, a decision that has sparked significant debate among health experts and community members alike. The proposed legislation now awaits approval from Governor Ron DeSantis, who has previously questioned the practice of water fluoridation, labeling it as "forced medication." The primary purpose of fluoridation has traditionally been to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, especially among children.

Should the bill be signed into law, Florida would become the second state in the U.S. to prohibit water fluoridation. A similar ban is scheduled to take effect in Utah starting May 7. This legislation is part of a broader farm bill that would restrict local governments from adding any substances to drinking water, even those intended to improve safety or water quality.

The move has drawn criticism from dental health professionals. Jeff Ottley, President of the Florida Dental Association, emphasized that extensive research over the past 80 years has demonstrated that water fluoridation is both safe and effective in preventing and repairing tooth decay. Conversely, some political figures and advocacy groups argue that the decision to fluoridate water should remain a matter of personal choice.

Recently, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to stop the CDC from recommending fluoride, citing a federal report linking elevated fluoride levels to reduced IQ scores in children. However, subsequent statements clarified that the low fluoride concentrations used in U.S. water supplies are not associated with such risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also reviewing scientific data to assess potential health risks related to fluoride exposure.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo became the first state health official to publicly oppose water fluoridation, amid growing efforts in several communities to end fluoridation practices. Supporters of the ban argue it supports personal freedom and choice, while opponents warn of negative long-term health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Other states, like Louisiana, are also seeing increased support for similar legislation, backed by political and health figures. For further information on the topic, see resources from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-florida-fluoride.html