Florida is set to follow Utah as the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, a move that has drawn significant concern from dentists and public health advocates who argue for its efficacy in preventing cavities. The decision aligns with a broader initiative led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., backed by Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who cites potential risks to children's intellectual development from high fluoride levels. Despite fluoride's proven benefits in dental health, as recognized by the CDC, the bill approved by Florida lawmakers requires the removal of fluoride and other additives from water systems. The American Dental Association has voiced strong opposition, highlighting the potential negative impacts on children and adults' dental health and overall economic costs. Local leaders, such as Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, criticize the bill for ignoring medical consensus and argue that fluoridation decisions should be made at the community level.

Florida is on the brink of becoming the second state to prohibit fluoride in public water systems, following Utah's recent legislative actions, despite the opposition from dental and public health professionals who emphasize fluoride's role in preventing cavities.

The legislative push against fluoridation in Florida is influenced by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, citing concerns that excessive fluoride might affect children's intellectual development.

Fluoride's role in strengthening teeth by replenishing lost minerals is widely recognized, with the CDC deeming water fluoridation one of the past century's significant public health achievements.

The American Dental Association has expressed strong disapproval of the move, emphasizing that removing fluoride could lead to negative health outcomes and economic repercussions, particularly impacting vulnerable populations.

The Florida bill does not specifically mention fluoride but mandates the removal of various additives from water, with some local governments preemptively removing fluoride from their systems.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has expressed disappointment with the bill, arguing it contradicts the consensus of medical experts and undermines a long-standing public health practice.

According to the CDC, as of 2022, about one-third of U.S. community water systems, serving over 60% of the population, included fluoridation, highlighting the widespread historical use of the practice for dental health.