Introduction to Florida’s Fluoride Ban

For decades, most Florida residents could turn on their taps and get a tiny amount of extra fluoride, a dose health experts say provides huge dental health benefits. But that will likely change soon.

Background on the Bill

On Tuesday, the state House passed a wide-ranging agricultural bill that prohibits local governments from adding any health-related additives to its drinking water supplies. State Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Sebring, one of the bill’s sponsors, said fluoride is among those banned additives, even though it’s not mentioned in the proposed legislation.

The Legislative Process

The bill — which was approved by the Florida Senate April 16 — now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who almost certainly will sign it into law. Florida would follow Utah, which became the first state to ban fluoridation this year. Supporters of Florida’s legislation said they agreed fluoride is beneficial to dental health. However, they called it a matter of personal choice.

Liberty and Personal Choice

“This is not about fluoride. This is about your liberty,” said state Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Dover. “Does the government have the right to put medicines and drugs and chemicals in your body that you did not consent to?” Fluoride, a mineral naturally found in water and the soil, has been added to public drinking water systems around the country since 1945 after it was discovered to help prevent cavities and other forms of tooth decay.

Health Benefits and Safety

Medical organizations have called fluoride safe and among the greatest public health achievements of the last century. In Florida, utility providers add enough fluoride to bring levels to 0.7 parts per million — or about three drops in a 55-gallon barrel of water.
But ending fluoridation, once a fringe issue, gained support after state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo last August spoke against the practice. He said most toothpastes and mouthwashes today provide enough protection against tooth decay.

Opposition and Concerns

Opponents of the recent anti-fluoride push blasted Florida’s bill as a detriment to poor families who cannot afford good dental care. “This bill doesn’t hurt the wealthy. They’ll keep seeing private dentists, getting their expensive treatments and flashing their perfect smiles,” said Daryl Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale. “But for everyday Floridians, who rely on water from their taps to protect their kids, this bill takes a safe and proven and affordable public health tool and rips it away. … It says: ‘If you can’t afford it. Too bad.’”

Conclusion

The move to ban fluoride in drinking water in Florida has been met with significant debate, with proponents arguing it’s a matter of personal choice and opponents highlighting its importance for public health, especially for low-income families. As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, the future of water fluoridation in Florida hangs in the balance.

FAQs

• Q: What is the current status of the bill to ban fluoride in drinking water in Florida?
  A: The bill has passed the state House and Senate and awaits the governor’s signature.
• Q: Why are some people opposed to the fluoridation of drinking water?
  A: Some argue it’s a matter of personal choice and question the safety and necessity of fluoride in drinking water.
• Q: What are the potential health implications of banning fluoride in drinking water?
  A: Opponents of the ban argue it could lead to increased tooth decay and other dental health issues, particularly among low-income families who may not have access to regular dental care.
• Q: Is Florida the first state to consider banning fluoride in drinking water?
  A: No, Utah became the first state to ban fluoridation earlier this year.
• Q: When did the practice of fluoridating drinking water begin in the United States?
  A: Fluoride has been added to public drinking water systems since 1945.
  Originally Published: April 29, 2025 at 3:41 PM EDT