Overview

• Florida's new law, signed on May 15 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, bans public water systems from adding fluoride starting July 1, 2025.
• This makes Florida the second state to enact such a ban, following Utah's similar legislation signed in March 2025.
• Major health organizations, including the CDC and ADA, continue to endorse water fluoridation as a safe, cost-effective method to reduce cavities by about 25%.
• Florida dentists warn of a potential rise in tooth decay within years, particularly among low-income communities that relied on fluoridated water as preventive care.
• The fluoride debate centers on balancing individual choice with public health benefits, as opponents cite unconfirmed health risks from high fluoride exposure.