MIAMI – The Florida House of Representatives approved SB 700 on Tuesday, April 29, prohibiting local governments from adding any additive to drinking water for purposes other than purification, quality improvement, or contaminant removal. The measure received 88 votes in favor and 27 against.
The state Senate had approved a similar version on April 16, known as the “Florida Farm Bill,” with 27 votes in favor and 9 against. The legislation only needs Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature for it to go into effect.
SB 700 also prohibits the use of terms such as “milk,” “meat,” or “egg” on the labeling of plant-based products. For example, a beverage cannot be marketed as “oat milk,” but rather as “oat drink,” and “soy meat” must be labeled as “textured soy.”
The bill defines permitted drinking water additives as chemicals intended solely to meet federal drinking water standards or reduce contaminants. Fluoride, traditionally added to prevent tooth decay, is excluded from this definition.
Last November, Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo issued guidance recommending discontinuing community water fluoridation due to potential neuropsychiatric risks associated with fluoride exposure. Ladapo argued that fluoride is available in multiple forms, including toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dentist-applied treatments.
“Evidence demonstrates that fluoride strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to cavities. However, additional research is being conducted on the impact of general fluoride exposure in the population,” Ladapo noted. According to these studies, fluoride could affect children’s IQ, cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or lead to neurological developmental disorders.
Republican Senator Keith Truenow, the bill’s sponsor, stated that the measure “ensures individuals and families have the final say over their health,” adding, “We are here to hydrate, not medicate.”
The initiative was harshly criticized by Democratic lawmakers who called for leaving the decision in the hands of local communities. Senator Tina Polsky called the measure “dangerous” and accused the legislature of undermining local governments’ ability to act on public health matters.
For his part, Democratic Representative Daryl Campbell stated, “This bill doesn’t affect the wealthy. They will continue to go to private dentists. But working families who depend on safe, fluoridated water for their children will lose vital and affordable health protection.”
Miami-Dade Reacts
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who had vetoed a similar ordinance at the County Commission days earlier, also expressed her opposition after the vote:
“I am deeply disappointed by the Florida Legislature’s decision to push for a statewide ban on water fluoridation, a decision that ignores the overwhelming consensus of dentists, physicians, and health experts and will end a practice that has been maintained for decades to protect our health.”
“Fluoridation is a proven, safe, and effective way to prevent cavities and protect oral health, especially in families with limited access to dental care. There are no conclusive studies showing harmful effects at low levels. This decision will have lasting consequences for our most vulnerable communities.”
“A decision like this—which impacts the health and well-being of all Florida families—should be made by local communities, who best understand what their residents need. In Miami-Dade, we trust dentists, not politicians, to decide whether or not we should fluoridate our water.”
