Florida Bans Water Fluoridation: What You Should Know

Effective July 1, 2025, Florida becomes the second U.S. state, after Utah, to prohibit adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies. This sweeping ban follows the passage of Senate Bill 700, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 15, 2025, and overrides local decisions on water treatment.

Details of the Ban

• The law prohibits the use of “water quality additives” not defined in state standards, effectively barring fluoride—even though the bill doesn’t name it explicitly.

• Nearly 97 water providers across 27 counties halted fluoridation status by July 1, 2025.

Why It Happened

• Governor DeSantis framed fluoridation as “forced medication,” advocating for personal choice and autonomy in public health decisions.

• Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, echoed concerns about potential neurological risks tied to fluoride exposure, describing fluoridation as “public health malpractice”.

Public Health Reactions

• Dental and public health experts strongly oppose the change, emphasizing fluoride’s proven efficacy: reducing tooth decay by approximately 25% and cutting tooth loss rates in adults by up to 60%.

• Critics warn of worsening health outcomes for children and elderly individuals, particularly in underserved and low-income areas that rely heavily on fluoridated water.

Real‑World Consequences

• Historical cases—such as Calgary, Canada—demonstrated dramatic increases in cavities once fluoridation ended; Calgary ultimately reinstated it after second-graders’ decay rates surged to around 65%.

• A recent JAMA Health Forum study estimates nationwide removal of fluoridated water could raise tooth decay by 7.5%, with a projected economic burden of nearly $9.8 billion over five years.

What to Do Now

• With community fluoridation gone, experts recommend alternative fluoride sources: fluoridated toothpaste, varnish treatments, mouth rinses, or physician‑prescribed gels or supplements.

• Health professionals also advocate for dietary measures—especially reducing sugar and refined carbs—and suggest families consult providers about fluoride requirements for young children or individuals with limited dental access.

🧭 Bottom Line

Florida’s fluoridation ban marks a significant departure from public health norms. Proponents cite individual liberty and skepticism of imposed additives, while opponents highlight substantial scientific evidence for fluoride’s safety and efficacy. The ban is expected to intensify dental health disparities and prompt a shift toward preventive dental care outside of water systems.

Let me know if you’d like deeper analysis into fluoride research, state‑by‑state fluoridation policies, or community responses.