On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Florida State House voted on whether or not to ban fluoride in public water systems. The bill in question, SB700 (The Florida Farm Bill) brings into question whether or not it’s truly necessary to have fluoride, a mineral used to help prevent cavities,  in common water. “The bill doesn’t explicitly mention the word “fluoride” but it says it would effectively ban the chemical compound preventing “the use of certain addictives in a water system.” according to NBCNews.

The bill went through the house resulting in 88 members in favor and 27 against. It is currently waiting on Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature. If the bill does completely pass, Florida will be the second state, behind Utah, to enforce the prevention of mineralized water.

The reactions behind the bill have been split. On one side, those in favor of the change argue that fluorides does not better the quality of the water, and that by taking it away, local governments could save a bunch of money. This belief seems to be gaining popularity in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and North Carolina under the leadership of the new head of the Department of Health and Human Services , Robert F. Kennedy. Those against the bill, however, think of this as a way to weaken dental health. “This bill doesn’t hurt the wealthy. They’ll keep seeing private dentists, getting their expensive treatments and flashing their perfect smiles. But for everyday Floridians, the people who clock in at 6 a.m., who can’t take time off — off for their dental visits, who rely on water from their taps to protect their kids, this bill takes a safe and proven and affordable public health tool and rips it away.” said Daryl Campbell during the session. Big public health groups like the American Dental Association and the CDC area also prominently against it – stating that drinking fluoridated water strengthens dental health and reduces cavities.