Two comprehensive bills advancing through Florida’s legislature would effectively prohibit municipalities across the state from adding fluoride to public drinking water systems.
HB 651 and SB 700, while broadly addressing various topics from electric vehicle infrastructure to mosquito control funding, contain provisions that would significantly impact water treatment practices statewide. Neither bill explicitly mentions fluoride by name.
The Florida House’s Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee approved HB 651 on Tuesday. The legislation specifically prohibits “the use of any additives included primarily for health-related purposes.” As a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services agency package, the bill addresses numerous topics under that department’s jurisdiction.
Its Senate companion, SB 700, contains similar language barring “water quality additives” for purposes beyond addressing contaminants or improving water quality—specifically excluding substances added for “health-related purposes.”
Representative Kaylee Tuck (R-Lake Placid) and Representative Danny Alvarez (R-Hillsborough County) are championing the House version. Following Tuesday’s committee meeting, Tuck confirmed that although fluoride isn’t mentioned by name, the legislation would indeed prevent its use.
“We’re trying to draw a distinction between clean water and healthy water,” Tuck explained.
Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and sponsor of the Senate bill, saw his version unanimously approved by the committee on March 11, though additional committee stops remain before final passage.
“We want to make sure that we give those choices to the parents and the people receiving the fluoride,” Truenow stated during the meeting. “So if someone doesn’t want to use the fluoride in the water system, you can’t really opt out.”
The House bill, informally known as the “Florida Farm Bill,” aims to protect “personal health freedoms,” according to Tuck. The legislation also addresses concerns about mislabeling plant-based alternatives to animal products.
Tuck contends that existing state statute has always prohibited health additives in water, but local governments have not adhered to these guidelines. “Now, we’re making sure that they do follow suit,” she said.
Several Florida municipalities have already begun debating fluoride removal. Hillsborough County recently voted to maintain fluoridation after contentious public hearings, while in February, a Clearwater City Council member initiated similar discussions in Pinellas County.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued guidance in November recommending against fluoridation of drinking water, with state officials citing concerns about potential negative impacts on children’s cognitive development.
Dental professionals and public health experts challenge these claims. They note that studies referenced by Ladapo involved fluoride exposure levels exceeding the national drinking water standard of 0.7 milligrams per liter. While fluoride occurs naturally in water, fluoridation programs adjust levels to optimal concentrations for dental health.
Health experts warn that eliminating fluoride could lead to increased tooth decay, particularly among children and economically disadvantaged communities.
Brandon Edmonston, representing the Florida Dental Association, testified at Tuesday’s House panel meeting against restricting local government authority. “Community water fluoridation is regarded as one of the greatest scientific discoveries of the 20th Century,” Edmonston stated. He further explained that topical fluoride applications like toothpaste are less effective than systemic exposure, noting that untreated dental infections can potentially affect brain and heart health.
The House bill must clear three additional committees before reaching the full chamber for consideration.