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• Florida lawmakers have passed a bill to ban fluoride from public drinking water, following Utah’s lead.
• The bill, which awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature, has sparked concern among dentists and public health advocates.
• Critics argue the ban will harm dental health, especially for low-income families.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Florida is on the verge of becoming the second state, after Utah, to ban fluoride from public drinking water. The bill, passed by Florida lawmakers on April 29, 2025, now awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Core Players

• Gov. Ron DeSantis – Republican Governor of Florida
• Rep. Kaylee Tuck – Republican state representative and bill sponsor
• Brett Kessler – President of the American Dental Association
• Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava – Critic of the bill

Key Numbers

• 88-27 – Vote count in the Florida House in favor of the bill
• May 7 – Date when Utah’s fluoride ban goes into effect
• 70 years – Approximate duration of fluoride use in public water systems for dental health

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The bill, part of the Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), restricts the use of certain additives in water supplies without explicitly mentioning fluoride. This move is driven by concerns over potential health risks, particularly regarding children’s cognitive development, as argued by President Trump’s administration.

“As dentists, we see the direct consequences fluoride removal has on our patients and it’s a real tragedy when policymakers’ decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term,” said Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association.

Inside Forces

The legislation has been met with strong opposition from dental and public health professionals. They argue that fluoride is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities and protect dental health across all age groups.

Supporters of the bill, however, claim that removing fluoride could reduce municipal expenses and is unnecessary for improving water quality.

Power Dynamics

The decision reflects a power shift in state policy, with the DeSantis administration playing a significant role in advocating against community water fluoridation. This stance aligns with broader conservative movements questioning the necessity of certain public health measures.

Critics, including Democratic state Rep. Daryl Campbell and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, argue that the bill disproportionately affects low-income families who rely on fluoridated tap water for dental health.

Outside Impact

The ban could have broader implications for public health, particularly in communities with limited access to dental care. It also sets a precedent for other states to reconsider their water fluoridation policies.

“This bill doesn’t affect the wealthy,” said Rep. Daryl Campbell. “They’ll continue visiting private dentists. But working families who depend on safe, fluoridated water for their kids will lose a vital and affordable health safeguard.”

Future Forces

If signed into law, the ban will take effect, potentially leading to increased dental health issues in the long term. This could result in higher healthcare costs and a greater burden on public health systems.

Future legislative actions may include efforts to reinstate fluoridation or implement alternative dental health programs to mitigate the effects of the ban.

Data Points

• April 29, 2025 – Date the bill was passed by Florida lawmakers
• 1945 – Year when community water fluoridation first began in the United States
• 70% – Approximate percentage of the U.S. population with access to fluoridated water
• $1.4B – Estimated annual savings from preventing dental cavities through fluoridation