Florida May Be Next State to Ban Community Water Fluoridation
The sunshine state may be following in Utah’s footsteps as the House and Senate consider prohibiting the addition of fluoridation to water supplies.
Community water fluoridation, long hailed as one of public health’s greatest successes, is facing a serious threat in Florida. Last week, the state Senate passed a bill that could effectively ban local governments from adding fluoride to public water supplies. Tucked inside a broader legislative package known as the “Florida Farm Bill,” the measure would prohibit any additive not directly related to water quality — a definition that excludes fluoride, despite its proven benefits in preventing tooth decay.
Fluoridation has been a cornerstone of preventive care for decades, especially in underserved communities where access to regular dental services is limited. Pediatric oral health could be disproportionately affected if the measure becomes law, potentially reversing hard-won gains in caries prevention.
Supporters of the bill argue it’s a matter of personal choice and public safety, while opponents, including numerous dental health experts, view the move as a rejection of well-established science. The debate is playing out across the state, with counties like Miami-Dade recently grappling with conflicting decisions by local leaders. Click here to read more.
