Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed SB 700 into law, banning the addition of fluoride to public water supplies while framing the decision as a victory for personal freedom and informed consent in healthcare.
At a Glance
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 700, banning local governments from adding fluoride to public water supplies
- DeSantis characterized water fluoridation as “forced medication” that violates principles of informed consent
- Floridians can still purchase fluoridated water from private suppliers if desired
- The law takes effect July 1, making Florida the second state after Utah to ban fluoride in public water
- Health experts and dental associations oppose the ban, citing fluoride’s role in preventing tooth decay
DeSantis Champions “Medical Freedom” with Fluoride Ban
Governor Ron DeSantis has positioned Florida as a leader in what he calls the “Free State of Florida” movement by signing legislation that prohibits local governments from adding fluoride to public water supplies. The measure, part of the broader Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), represents a significant shift in public health policy that has been standard practice across much of America for decades. DeSantis framed the issue as one of personal freedom and consent rather than public health.
“Jamming fluoride in the water supply … is essentially a forced medication. At the end of the day, we should all agree that people deserve informed consent.”, said Ron DeSantis.
The governor’s stance has been echoed by other state officials, including Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who declared: “Today, Florida took a bold step and declared that drinking water will hydrate, not medicate.” State Senator Keith Truenow, who sponsored the legislation, similarly emphasized consumer choice, stating: “When it gets hot in the Sunshine State, no one clamors for a cold glass of fluoride.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting local communities from adding fluoride to drinking water, making the Sunshine State the second in the nation to enact such a measure. https://t.co/rQqVdBeay4 pic.twitter.com/O6ga1gKVuH
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) May 7, 2025
Part of a Broader Movement
The fluoride ban aligns with the national “Make America Healthy Again” initiative championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as Health and Human Services secretary. Kennedy has previously described fluoride as “industrial waste” and linked it to various health issues, though many of these claims have been disputed by mainstream medical organizations. The HHS has now directed the CDC to review fluoride’s role in water and its potential health impacts.
DeSantis cited growing public distrust of medical institutions, particularly following controversial COVID-era policies, as contributing to the push for greater transparency and choice in health matters. Florida’s Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has been outspoken on the issue, describing water fluoridation as “public health malpractice” despite the CDC’s recognition of community water fluoridation as a major public health achievement.
Another Victory for MAHA: Florida will become the second state in the nation to eliminate fluoride from its public water systems.
On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his intention to sign legislation that will ban the addition of fluoride to Florida's public drinking… pic.twitter.com/QpPDCd5PqS
— MAHA Action (@MAHAAction) May 6, 2025
Concerns from Health Experts
The move has drawn criticism from dental and medical professionals who point to decades of research showing fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. The American Dental Association has called the ban “dangerous,” while the Florida Dental Association continues to support fluoridation as a safe, cost-effective public health measure. Experts are particularly concerned about potential impacts on lower-income communities and rural areas where access to dental care is already limited.
The CDC has long maintained that fluoridated water is safe and effective, with optimal levels carefully monitored. Critics of the ban point to evidence from Calgary, Canada, which reversed its 2011 fluoride ban after seeing an increase in dental cavities among children. Florida will become only the second state after Utah to implement a statewide fluoride ban when the law takes effect on July 1.
Meanwhile, Floridians who wish to continue using fluoridated water will need to purchase it from private suppliers. The legislation does not prohibit individuals from making this choice for themselves, aligning with the governor’s emphasis on personal freedom rather than government mandates. The bill also includes additional provisions supporting Florida’s agriculture sector and establishing new consumer protections and the Florida Aquaculture Foundation.
