Florida Set to Become 2nd State to Ban Fluoride in Drinking Water

Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water under legislation that received final approval from lawmakers on April 29, ending a decades-old practice that has divided dentists and health officials. Though the measure does not explicitly include the word “fluoride,” it does include a provision that seeks to ban “the use of certain additives in a water system” throughout the state. The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov.

Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law. That legislation prohibits any person or government entity from adding fluoride to water systems in the state. It is set to go into effect on May 7.



“Fluoridation is a proven, safe, cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay and protect oral health for children and adults, particularly for families with limited access to dental care,” she said in a statement on X. “No studies have shown that fluoridation at low levels is unsafe for our communities, including babies and pregnant women—in fact, it is vitally important for the health of developing teeth in infants and children.” Cava said that decisions regarding fluoride should be left to local communities.

“Ending fluoridation will have long-lasting health consequences, especially for our most vulnerable families,” she said..