Tooth Be Told: Florida Might Ban Fluoride
Here’s something you probably didn’t expect to be debating in 2025: fluoride in your drinking water.
Florida lawmakers just passed Senate Bill 700, part of the larger “Florida Farm Bill,” which—despite its agricultural name—could lead to big changes at the tap. The bill doesn’t mention fluoride outright, but it bans certain additives in public water supplies, and yes, fluoride is one of them. All that’s left now is the governor’s signature.
If signed into law, Florida would become the second state in the U.S. to end water fluoridation, following Utah’s decision earlier this year.
Supporters say it’s a win for smaller government and personal choice. They argue that fluoride, while long used to help prevent tooth decay, isn’t essential to water quality and adds unnecessary costs to municipal systems. Some simply want the choice to use fluoride left up to individuals—not utilities.
On the other side, public health officials and dental experts warn that ending fluoridation could widen health gaps, especially for children and families without regular access to dental care. For decades, fluoridated water has been recommended by the CDC and the American Dental Association as a simple, effective way to reduce cavities, particularly in growing communities like ours.
Locally, opinions in Southshore are mixed. Some residents welcome the change, seeing it as a step toward cleaner, simpler water. Others worry it could mean higher dental costs—or higher cavity counts—for families already balancing enough.
No matter how you feel about it, the decision could take effect quickly. If signed, the law could start changing water systems across the state—including here in Southshore—before the year is out.
We’ll keep following this story. In the meantime, maybe give that toothbrush an extra workout… just in case.