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Florida Advances Bill to Prohibit Fluoride in City Water Supplies, Following in Footsteps of First State to Adopt Similar Measure

Florida legislators have passed a bill, set to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, banning specific additives in public drinking water, including fluoride. If authorized, Florida would follow California as the second state to prohibit fluoride in municipal water supplies.

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Florida Advances Bill to Prohibit Fluoride in City Water Supplies, Following in Footsteps of First State to Adopt Similar Measure

Florida Takes Aim at Fluoride in Drinking Water

Here's the lowdown on the latest twist in the ongoing debate over fluoride in public water systems. Recently, the Floridian lawmakers have shown their support for a bill that, if signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will make Florida the second state to ban fluoride in municipal drinking water.

The bill, dubbed as the Florida Farm Bill, specifically outlaws the usage of any additive in public water systems that doesn't comply with the new definition of a "water quality additive". This definition specifies that a chemical or substance can only be used in public water systems if it's used to address drinking water standards, contaminants, or improve quality.

The pressure for this bill comes from the approaching sign-off by the House of Representatives, having secured a vote of 88-27 earlier this week, and the Senate, who backed it by 27-9 two weeks prior. The driving force behind this movement stems from the conviction that an American, free and residing in Florida, has the unwavering right to determine what enters their body, irrespective of what elected officials believe may or may not be best for their citizens.

Fluoride is renowned for its capability to prevent early tooth decay by replenishing minerals in enamel. It also bolsters teeth's resistance against acid and hinders bacteria's erosion of teeth. Approximately 70% of Floridians utilizing community water systems are currently receiving fluoridated water, according to Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who issued advice in November advocating against community water fluoridation, citing potential health risks.

Although Utah pioneered the path by becoming the first state to impose a ban on fluoride in public water, last month, there are additional cities and states considering regulating or even eliminating fluoride from their water supplies. Remember, Utah's ban becomes effective on May 7.

The Florida vote comes hot on the heels of the pledge by US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic of fluoride who once referred to it as "an industrial waste", that the Trump administration will urge utilities to cease adding it to public water.

Kennedy mentioned during a recent Cabinet meeting that he's confident DeSantis will sign the bill and that he's "reviewing the science now" to instigate federal modifications of fluoride regulations.

A quick refresher: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in the earth's soil, rocks, and water to varying degrees. It's also a byproduct of fertilizer production. In response to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization's recommendations, many cities have added fluoride to their treated drinking water for several decades to safeguard teeth against cavities.

While the CDC remains steadfast in its belief in the health benefits of fluoride and labels water fluoridation as one of the "10 Greatest Public Health Achievements of the 21st Century", research has called attention to potential negative effects, such as an increased risk of neurobehavioral problems in children exposed to fluoridated water during pregnancy. A federal review also indicates that higher levels of fluoride are associated with lower IQ in children.

Given the rising skepticism and emerging debates regarding water fluoridation's efficacy and potential risks, keep your eyes peeled for more states and cities contemplating changes in their water fluoridation practices. The tides of opinion are shifting, and the future of fluoride in our water systems remains uncertain.

Insights: While Florida is closest to enacting a ban on fluoride in municipal water systems, growing scrutiny and debate over fluoridation are also emerging in other states, including Texas, South Dakota, and Montana. Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in 2025.

  1. The Florida Farm Bill, if signed, will prohibit the use of any additive in public water systems that does not address drinking water standards, contaminants, or improve quality.
  2. The bill has garnered support from the House of Representatives and the Senate, with votes of 88-27 and 27-9, respectively.
  3. Lawmakers believe that an American in Florida has the right to decide what enters their body.
  4. Fluoride is known for preventing early tooth decay and strengthening teeth's resistance against acid.
  5. Approximately 70% of Floridians using community water systems currently receive fluoridated water.
  6. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued advice against community water fluoridation citing potential health risks.
  7. Utah has already become the first state to impose a ban on fluoride in public water.
  8. The ban in Utah will take effect on May 7.
  9. The US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to urge utilities to cease adding fluoride to public water.
  10. Kennedy will "review the science now" to instigate federal modifications of fluoride regulations.
  11. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in the earth's soil, rocks, and water.
  12. It's also a byproduct of fertilizer production.
  13. The CDC continues to believe in the health benefits of fluoride, labeling water fluoridation as one of the "10 Greatest Public Health Achievements of the 21st Century".
  14. However, research has raised concerns about potential negative effects, such as an increased risk of neurobehavioral problems in children exposed to fluoridated water during pregnancy.
  15. A federal review indicates that higher levels of fluoride are associated with lower IQ in children.
  16. Given these concerns, more states and cities are contemplating changes in their water fluoridation practices.
  17. Texas, South Dakota, and Montana are among the states where debates are emerging regarding fluoridation.
  18. The future of fluoride in water systems remains uncertain due to shifting opinions and debates.
  19. Health-and-wellness professionals should keep abreast of these developments to advise clients accordingly.
  20. Fitness-and-exercise routines may need to focus more on oral hygiene to combat the potential rise in tooth decay without fluoridation.
  21. Mental-health professionals might also see an increase in patients dealing with dental issues related to fluoride lack.
  22. Therapies-and-treatments for dental issues could see a surge in demand.
  23. Nutritionists may need to emphasize food sources of fluoride for oral health.
  24. Medicare recipients could be particularly vulnerable to dental issues without fluoridated water.
  25. CBD, known for its potential health benefits, could see increased interest as a natural alternative for dental health.
  26. Neurological-disorders associated with fluoride could become a focus of research and treatment.
  27. Education-and-self-development resources should cover the pros and cons of fluoride and its impact on health.
  28. Personal-growth, mindfulness, and career-development could benefit from understanding the impact of policy-and-legislation changes, such as the potential ban on fluoride in Florida.
Florida lawmakers endorse a bill restricting specific substances in drinking water, potentially excluding fluoride. Upon finalization, the legislation would make Florida the second state to disallow fluoride in municipal water supplies, with Governor Ron DeSantis' signature necessary for enactment.
Florida legislators pass bill restricting specific substances in drinking water, potentially outlawing fluoride, leaving Governor Ron DeSantis to determine its future in municipal water supplies. If enacted, Florida would join a select group of two states that have banned fluoride in their public water supplies.
Florida lawmakers have passed a bill restricting specific substances in drinking water, which, if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, would effectively outlaw fluoride. If enacted, Florida would join a handful of states prohibiting fluoride in municipal water supplies.

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