A Florida Senate committee unanimously approved a sweeping bill Tuesday that would prohibit local governments from adding fluoride to public water systems, escalating a growing debate over a decades-old public health practice.
The Senate Agriculture Committee’s endorsement of HB 700, a wide-ranging measure tied to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, marks a significant step toward stripping municipalities of their authority to fluoridate water—a move that has pitted personal choice advocates against dental health experts.
READ: High Risk On Florida Roads: AAA Warns Of Rising Cannabis-Impaired Driving Amid Legalization Trend
Sponsored by Committee Chairman Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, the bill targets “the use of any additive included primarily for health-related purposes” in public water systems, effectively banning fluoride, which has been added to drinking water since the mid-20th century to prevent cavities. Truenow framed the proposal as a matter of individual freedom.
“We want to make sure that we give those choices to the parents and the people receiving the fluoride,” he told the committee. “So if someone doesn’t want to use the fluoride in the water system, you can’t really opt out.” He emphasized that Floridians can access fluoride through alternatives like toothpaste, arguing that water fluoridation imposes an unnecessary mandate.
The decision comes as local governments nationwide, including several in Florida like Winter Haven, Naples, and Stuart, have recently halted fluoridation amid rising skepticism fueled by studies linking high fluoride levels to potential health risks, such as reduced IQ in children.
READ: Florida Man Arrested For Murdering Ex-Girlfriend’s Aunt, Burning Body
The bill, dubbed the “Florida Farm Bill” by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, aligns with this trend, reflecting a push to prioritize “clean, safe drinking water” over what supporters call “government-prescribed medicine.”
However, the proposal drew sharp pushback from health advocates who argue that banning fluoride could undermine dental health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Brandon Edmonston, a lobbyist for the Florida Dental Association, urged lawmakers to preserve local control over fluoridation decisions.
“Community water fluoridation is regarded as one of the greatest scientific achievements of the 20th century,” Edmonston said, highlighting its systemic benefits. “While there are other sources of fluoride such as toothpaste and mouthwash that can be applied to the surface of the teeth, fluoride works best systemically, strengthening the enamel from the inside out.”
He warned that stripping away this tool could disproportionately harm low-income families with limited access to dental care, where cavities remain the most common chronic childhood disease.
READ: Florida Woman Scratches Way To $640K, Ditches “Life” For Lump Sum
The debate mirrors a national reckoning with fluoridation, intensified by a September 2024 federal court ruling directing the Environmental Protection Agency to reassess fluoride safety standards. While that ruling cited potential risks, it stopped short of declaring fluoridated water inherently harmful—a nuance lost in the polarized discourse.
HB 700 now heads to the full Senate, where its fate remains uncertain amid competing pressures from health organizations and a Republican-led push for deregulation. In the House, Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, sponsors a companion bill, backed by Simpson, who has argued that private water companies can still offer fluoridated options, leaving the choice to consumers. Critics, however, question whether such alternatives will reach underserved communities effectively.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
