Florida Becomes Second State to Ban Fluoride in Municipal Water Supplies

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just signed the “Florida Farm Bill,” which prohibits any municipality from having a fluoridated water supply. As of July 1, Florida will be the second state in the nation to put this ban into effect. Utah made headlines back in January when the state became the first to enact a similar prohibition.

At the bill signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis railed against water fluoridation, calling it “forced medication.” He further stressed his commitment to ensuring that people are free to make their own health decisions without government overreach. According to DeSantis, that effort is analogous to the recent debates over vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some people think they know better for you, … that they should decree how you live your lives,” DeSantis stated, asserting his commitment to personal freedoms and health autonomy.

The “Florida Farm Bill” takes its agenda head on. It increases consumer protections and creates the Florida Aquaculture Foundation. Though the bill has a wider focus on the agriculture sector overall, the proposed fluoride ban has captured the most public interest.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo made waves when he raised alarm about health risks of excess fluoride exposure. He noted that there are ongoing discussions regarding “physical and mental health risks … associated with overexposure to fluoride,” reinforcing the rationale behind the new legislation.

Using a blue Sharpie, DeSantis signed the bill while surrounded by the flowers at the signing ceremony. This moment has already started national conversations that extend beyond state borders. As Florida implements this law, it joins Utah in leading a growing movement against water fluoridation, reflecting a shift in public policy surrounding health interventions.

The removal of fluoride from local water supplies has become a focal point of this legislative session, attracting attention from both supporters and opponents of fluoridation. Supporters of the flavored tobacco ban vigorously advocate for personal freedom and health autonomy. Critics have raised alarm about what the changes might mean for public health.

Florida’s Jim Rosica, of the USA TODAY Network – Florida Capital Bureau, has all the details on this developing story. Jim can be contacted via email at jrosica@tallahassee.com, or on Twitter at @JimRosicaFL.