Florida second state to ban community water fluoridation

Law to take effect July 1

Florida became the second state to ban community water fluoridation after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation May 15 that prevents local governments from adding fluoride to water systems. 

Senate Bill 700, also known as the Florida Farm Bill, does not explicitly state the word “fluoride,” but effectively bans the mineral by “prohibiting the use of certain additives in a water system which do not meet specified requirements.” 

“Forcing [fluoride] in the water supply is basically forced medication on people,” Gov. DeSantis said in a news conference.  

This legislation comes after Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, M.D., expressed concerns about the “neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure.”  

The ADA called these comments “misinformed and dangerous.” The ADA noted that the National Toxicology Program Monograph on Fluoride and Neurocognition states that it does not address the practice of community water fluoridation at the low levels used in the U.S. and Canada. 

The ADA cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s estimation that water fluoridation is proven to help reduce tooth decay by 25%. The Association has expressed continued support for community water fluoridation at the recommended level of 0.7 milligrams per liter.  

“Eighty years of community water fluoridation at optimal levels has proven safe and effective at reducing tooth decay and maximizing citizens’ oral health,” the ADA said in March after Utah became the first state to enact a statewide fluoride ban.  

Florida’s new law is expected to take effect July 1.