Florida’s fluoride fight: Gov. DeSantis to decide public health policy
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — It’s tasteless, odorless—and unless you’re a chemist or public health expert, you probably don’t think much about what’s in your water. But Florida is now one signature away from flushing fluoride from public drinking water—even if local officials want to keep it.
On Tuesday, state lawmakers gave final approval to Senate Bill 700, a sweeping agriculture bill that includes a quiet but controversial provision targeting water additives.
If signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida would become just the second state in the nation—behind Utah—to effectively outlaw fluoridation statewide.
It’s sparking debate, with passionate opinions from both policymakers and dental professionals.
Many worry the move could have serious public health consequences, especially for children and vulnerable populations.
The Bill’s Impact
Tucked inside Senate Bill 700 is language that bans cities and counties from adding anything to drinking water unless it improves water quality.
The legislation doesn’t mention fluoride by name, but its language is clear: it would effectively ban fluoride, which has been added to public water systems for decades as a cost-effective way to prevent cavities and protect oral health—particularly in low-income communities.
The Debate
Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie have already pulled fluoride from their systems, citing a letter from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo warning of potential links between fluoride and lower IQ in children.
But those claims contradict decades of research from federal health agencies.
The CDC calls water fluoridation one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century.
The American Dental Association agrees, saying it reduces cavities by up to 25% across all age groups.
A Dentist’s Dilemma
Dr. Craig Spodak, who runs a practice in Delray Beach, says the science supports fluoride’s benefit—but argues it shouldn’t be forced on everyone.
“One segment of our population desperately needs the protective effects of fluoride,” he said. “We have children ending up in the hospital with dental infections. Cavities left unchecked can become life-threatening.”
But Spodak compares fluoridation to medicating the entire population with aspirin just because it helps some people’s blood pressure.
“I think fluoride is a very valuable medication,” he said. “But any medication given to everyone may not have the intended benefit. Some people need it—others don’t.”
His practice has already moved away from using topical fluoride and instead uses nano-hydroxyapatite, a fluoride alternative.
“In the dosage that’s in our water supply, it’s been studied as safe. But are you getting a medication you really need? It’s kind of a one-size-fits-none,” Spodak added.
Fighting to Keep Fluoride
Dr. Beatriz Terry, a periodontist in Miami and the immediate past president of the Florida Dental Association, says this is a dangerous step backward.
“It’s not just kids. The elderly are affected too,” she explained. “Many are on medications that cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of decay. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel at the optimal 0.7 parts per million.”
Terry says the communities that stand to lose the most are the ones who already lack access to dental care.
“Children without toothpaste, rinses, or regular dental visits are going to be hit hardest. When they get sick, the cost gets passed to the rest of us—through ER visits, Medicaid claims, and missed school.”
She points to Calgary, Canada, which removed fluoride from its water supply—only to reverse course years later when cavities spiked.
“We saw incidence of decay skyrocket. The city had to put fluoride back. Removing it isn’t just bad for health—it’s expensive.”
Florida already ranks at the bottom when it comes to Medicaid reimbursement for dental care, she said. With higher rates of tooth decay, she warns the state could face a financial strain it’s not prepared for.
See also: Fort Pierce shooting leaves one dead, multiple in custody as investigation unfolds
What’s Next?
The Florida Dental Association and the American Dental Association are now urging lawmakers to pause.
“Let’s do current research,” Terry said. “If we discover something concerning, remove it. But don’t strip it away now and leave people vulnerable.”
Governor Ron DeSantis has yet to sign the bill. If he does, the ban will take effect July 1, stripping local control and forcing cities to stop fluoride use even if they support it.
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