Florida lawmakers pass a bill that stops fluoride from being added to public tap water making it the second state to challenge long-standing dental health policy

Florida has just taken a big step by becoming the second state in the U.S. to ban fluoride from its public drinking water.

This move is sure to catch the attention of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a vocal critic of adding fluoride to water supplies.

Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed the bill into law today.

Interestingly, the bill doesn’t directly mention fluoride but achieves the same result by banning “certain additives” from being used in water systems.

The ban will officially start on July 1.

A Growing Trend: Florida Follows Utah’s Lead

Florida is following Utah, which passed a similar fluoride ban back in late March.

Utah’s ban just went into effect last week, marking the beginning of what some see as a new trend among states rethinking water fluoridation policies.

RFK Jr., now the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, has been outspoken about fluoride.

He calls for states to stop adding it to water, labeling it as “industrial waste” and arguing it makes no sense to keep it in the water supply.

The History and Controversy of Fluoride in Water

Fluoride has been part of the American water supply since the 1940s, after research showed it could help strengthen teeth and reduce cavities.

In fact, experts estimate that fluoridation saves the U.S. about $6.5 billion each year in dental care costs.

However, recent studies have sparked debate by linking fluoride exposure to potential brain damage and reduced IQ in children.

Last year, a major government report suggested that high levels of fluoride could harm brain development, raising concerns about its safety.

What DeSantis Said About the Ban

After signing the bill, Governor DeSantis took to social media to share the news.

On X (formerly Twitter), he said: “Today, I was in Dade City to sign SB700, which among other things, prevents local governments from injecting fluoride into the water supply. Informed consent — not forced medication — is the Florida way.”

At a press conference, DeSantis clarified his position, saying, “Yes, use fluoride for your teeth, that’s fine. But forcing it in the water supply is basically forced medication on people. They don’t have a choice.”

He emphasized that people can still get fluoride through other means, like toothpaste, and that it shouldn’t be a government mandate.

What Could Happen Next?

With Florida and Utah leading the way, other states might reconsider their stance on fluoride in water.

This debate raises important questions about public health, personal choice, and how we balance scientific findings with policy.

It will be interesting to see how this issue develops across the country in the coming months.