Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation this week banning the addition of fluoride to public water systems across the state, citing the importance of medical freedom and informed consent, as reported [1] by The Western Journal.
The bill, SB 700, was signed into law Tuesday during an event in Miami, where DeSantis was joined by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. The law takes effect July 1.
“Today I was in Miami to support SB 700, which bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water,” DeSantis wrote on the social media platform X.
“With wide access to topical fluoride, there’s no need to medicate entire communities without their consent. The Free State of Florida says no to forced medication, and we’re proud to lead the nation on this effort!”
Today I was in Miami to support SB 700, which bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water. With wide access to topical fluoride, there’s no need to medicate entire communities without their consent.
The Free State of Florida says no to… pic.twitter.com/GJ2O2Yq5o6 [3]
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 6, 2025 [4]
The law defines a “water quality additive” as a substance used to meet drinking water standards, remove contaminants, or improve water quality.
Fluoride, considered a medical additive, does not meet that definition under the new legislation and will therefore be prohibited from Florida’s public water supplies.
Speaking at the event, DeSantis [5] emphasized his position that adding fluoride to water constitutes “forced medication.”
“It’s forced medication when they’re jamming fluoride into your water supply,” DeSantis said. “Every time you turn on the tap, you’re subjected to a medical treatment you didn’t consent to.”
#BREAKING [6]: Gov. Ron DeSantis announces he will sign the ban on fluoride in drinking water, pushed by @WiltonSimpson [7] and Sen. Keith Truenow (@SodFatherFL [8]) in the farm bill
“It basically doesn’t allow that anymore… it’s forced medication, when they’re jamming fluoride into your… pic.twitter.com/2nqAm1OftR [9]
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) May 6, 2025 [10]
DeSantis’s move is being praised by members of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, a longtime advocate of medical choice, expressed his support for the legislation.
“Thank you [DeSantis] for your leadership in banning fluoride from Florida’s public water supply,” Kennedy wrote on X.
“You’re standing up for every Floridian’s right to choose what goes into their own body. That’s the core of the MAHA agenda—restoring informed consent, protecting health freedom, and returning power to the people. I urge governors across the country to follow your lead.”
Thank you @GovRonDeSantis [11] for your leadership in banning fluoride from Florida’s public water supply. You’re standing up for every Floridian’s right to choose what goes into their own body. That’s the core of the MAHA agenda—restoring informed consent, protecting health freedom,… https://t.co/iCgMOgyUoS [12]
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) May 6, 2025 [13]
Opponents of mass fluoridation cite studies suggesting adverse effects, especially in young children and certain adults. Supporters, however, argue the additive provides public health benefits by reducing tooth decay.
Despite continued national debate on the issue, Florida becomes one of the first states to take legislative action restricting fluoride in public water systems at the state level.