Florida to ban fluoride in public water, prohibit geoengineering practices
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Florida is set to become the second state to ban fluoride from public drinking water and one of 25 states to ban “chemtrails,” following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement on Monday, where he said he was planning on signing the bills into law.
DeSantis, along with Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, spoke in downtown Miami Monday afternoon, where the governor announced he would sign the bills SB 700 and SB 56.
“Today I was in Miami to support SB 700, which bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water,” DeSantis said on Monday. “In addition to this, I also reiterated in Miami that Florida is not a testing ground for geoengineering. We already do not permit this activity, and I will be signing SB 56 to prohibit the practice in our skies. The Free State of Florida means freedom from governments or private actors unilaterally applying chemicals or geoengineering to people or public spaces.”
Sponsored by Miami republican Ileana Garcia, SB 56 would repeal existing weather modification laws, including practices like cloud seeding, and make it illegal to release chemicals or substances or use any device to manipulate temperature, weather, climate, or sunlight.
The proposed ban is also fueled by concerns about “chemtrails,” which are widely considered by modern scientists to be a conspiracy theory based on the erroneous belief that condensation trails left in the sky by aircraft consist of chemical agents for nefarious purposes undisclosed to the general public.
Any person or corporation that engages in geoengineering or weather modification activities would face a third-degree felony charge, which could result in fines of up to $100,000. If an aircraft operator or controller is convicted of a third-degree felony, they may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and could face up to five years in prison.
RELATED: Florida Legislature passes ban on fluoride in public drinking water
SB 700 would prohibit local governments from adding fluoride to the water supply, resulting in outcry from dentists across the state and nation.
President of the Florida Dental Association, Dr. Jeff Ottley, released the following statement on Tuesday:
“The Florida Dental Association prioritizes the health and well-being of all Floridians and relies on research-proven methods to promote dental health across the state. We are disappointed in Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s decision to end one of the most effective, safe and affordable protections against tooth decay by the planned signing of SB 700 into law, which prohibits local governments from adding fluoride to the water supply. The Florida Dental Association strongly reinforces that fluoridation is a naturally occurring mineral, not a medication, that is already present in the water in many parts of the country, including Florida. Water fluoridation has been researched for more than 80 years, and overwhelming, credible scientific evidence consistently indicates that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective at preventing and repairing tooth decay. The Florida Dental Association and dentists across the state have strongly advocated for the continuation of local governments’ authority to provide water fluoridation in their communities. Adding optimal amounts of fluoride into our community water supplies has been proven to prevent at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults, reducing the need for costly dental treatments. We strongly encourage Floridians to engage in routine dental care, including regular check-ups with their dentist, to help protect their oral health. The Florida Dental Association will continue to advocate for policies and programs to improve oral health for all Floridians.”
Dr. Jeff Ottley, president of the Florida Dental Association
For decades, many communities across the US have added fluoride to public water. Dentists widely support this practice, citing the chemical reduces tooth decay, builds enamel, and improves oral health.
Opponents of fluoridation have cited a review paper published in January 2025 that found a possible link between lower IQ in children and fluoride exposure. The data was pulled from foreign countries where the exposure was much higher than what is typically added to US drinking water.
Last year, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced guidance recommending against community water fluoridation, referencing possible health risks.
“It is clear more research is necessary to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation,” said Ladapo.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has strongly opposed measures to stop fluorinating water. In March, the organization called Utah’s decision to ban the chemical “disgraceful.”
“As a father and a dentist, it is disheartening to see that a proven, public health policy, which exists for the greater good of an entire community’s oral health, has been dismantled based on distorted pseudo-science,” said Brett Kessler, D.D.S., ADA President. “The most common chronic childhood disease is cavities.”
The state Department of Health explains that fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical compound present in groundwater, fresh and salt water, rainwater, soil, plants, and foods.
Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended to prevent tooth decay.
Both bills have been approved by the Florida Senate but could still be amended by the Florida House of Representatives.
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