Florida’s SB 700: Unfolding the Debate on Fluoride Ban and Health Concerns

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has banned fluoride in public water supplies across the state, sparking both praise and fierce criticism from health professionals.

Key Insights

Governor DeSantis signed SB 700, prohibiting local governments from adding fluoride to public water supplies, describing it as “forced medication.”
The ban is part of the broader Florida Farm Bill and aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement championed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Floridians will retain the option to purchase fluoridated water privately, with state officials emphasizing consumer choice and informed consent.
Health experts, including the CDC and American Dental Association, oppose the ban, warning it could lead to increased tooth decay, especially among poorer populations.
Florida becomes the second state after Utah to implement such a ban, with the law taking effect July 1, 2025.

DeSantis Champions “Freedom from Forced Medication”

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed legislation banning the addition of fluoride to Florida’s public water systems, framing the decision as a victory for individual liberty and informed consent. The controversial move makes Florida the second state after Utah to implement such a ban and has ignited intense debate between health freedom advocates and medical professionals. The ban, which affects municipalities across the state, was signed as part of the broader Florida Farm Bill and will take effect on July 1.

During the signing ceremony, DeSantis characterized water fluoridation as government overreach, stating, “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.” The governor linked the ban to growing public distrust of medical institutions following pandemic era policies, suggesting that Floridians should have greater control over what enters their water supply without government mandate.

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

Support from State Officials and Health Freedom Advocates

The legislation has received strong backing from key Florida officials. State Senator Keith Truenow, a sponsor of the bill, emphasized the natural resources aspect, declaring, “When it gets hot in the Sunshine State, no one clamors for a cold glass of fluoride. We will protect our natural resources and give Floridians the ability to make the best choices without government forcing unnecessary additives.” Similarly, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson praised the move as a bold step forward.

“Today, Florida took a bold step and declared that drinking water will hydrate, not medicate.”

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has been a vocal critic of water fluoridation, describing it as “public health malpractice.” His position aligns with that of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has characterized fluoride as “industrial waste” and linked it to various health issues. The legislation represents a significant victory for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which emphasizes consumer choice and skepticism toward centralized health mandates.

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

Opposition from Dental and Health Authorities

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from dental and public health experts. The American Dental Association called the ban “dangerous,” while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long recognized community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. Health professionals warn that removing fluoride from public water supplies could lead to increased rates of tooth decay, particularly among children and lower-income communities that may lack access to regular dental care.

“We should all agree that people deserve informed consent.”

Critics point to the experience of Calgary, Canada, which reversed its 2011 fluoride ban after studies showed significant increases in childhood cavities. The HHS has directed the CDC to review fluoride’s role in water and its potential health impacts, suggesting the national debate on water fluoridation may intensify. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County commissioners had already voted to remove fluoride from the county’s water supply prior to the statewide ban, a decision that DeSantis publicly supported.

Consumer Choice and Additional Provisions

Proponents of the legislation emphasize that Floridians will still have access to fluoride through other means. The law doesn’t prohibit residents from purchasing fluoridated water from private suppliers or using fluoride-containing dental products. This focus on consumer choice rather than an outright ban on fluoride itself has been central to the governor’s messaging. The broader Farm Bill also includes new consumer transparency laws and restrictions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices affecting farmers and ranchers.

The legislation further establishes the Florida Aquaculture Foundation and includes additional consumer protections. For DeSantis, the bill represents another step in maintaining Florida’s identity as the “Free State of Florida,” where individual liberty takes precedence over government mandates. As the July 1 implementation date approaches, local water authorities across the state will need to adapt their practices to comply with the new regulations, potentially creating significant operational changes in water management systems statewide.