DeSantis signs a bill making Florida the 2nd state to ban fluoride from its water system

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:04 pm

Florida Joins Utah in Banning Fluoride in Public Water Systems

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will ban local governments from adding fluoride to their public water systems, making Florida the second state to implement such a ban. This decision, effective July 1st, follows Utah's lead, which enacted its ban in late March.

The move has sparked controversy, with dentists and public health advocates expressing concerns. Governor DeSantis, however, has stated that individuals can still access fluoride through other means, arguing that the ban preserves individual choice and prevents potential overexposure.

The bill, approved by state lawmakers last month, mandates the removal of fluoride and other additives from water sources across the state. Some local governments in Florida, like Miami-Dade County, had already begun the process of removing fluoride before the statewide ban. Miami-Dade County's Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, had previously vetoed the removal, citing the importance of fluoridation for dental health, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The decision to ban fluoride aligns with a broader push by some Republican-led states, influenced by figures like U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long supported water fluoridation, citing its effectiveness in strengthening teeth and reducing cavities. However, excessive fluoride intake has been linked to dental issues and, in some studies, potential impacts on brain development.

BNN's Perspective: While the concerns of public health officials regarding dental health are valid, the decision to allow individual choice in fluoride consumption is understandable. The potential for overexposure and the availability of alternative fluoride sources warrant consideration. This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides, and the state's approach reflects a balance between public health and individual autonomy.

Keywords: Florida fluoride ban, Ron DeSantis, water fluoridation, fluoride in water, Utah fluoride ban, dental health, cavities, public health, Miami-Dade County, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Joseph Ladapo, drinking water, fluoride, health, state law, ban

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