Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave final approval to SB 700, a bill that includes a provision preventing municipalities from independently deciding to add fluoride to their public water systems.
This policy change is part of the broader Florida Farm Bill, legislation DeSantis has vocally supported, including at an event promoting it just the day before.
During an appearance in Miami to highlight the bill, DeSantis stated that it “bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water.”
“We have other ways where people can get access to fluoride,” DeSantis said during his public comments. “When you do this in the water supply, you’re taking away a choice of someone who may not want to have over exposure to fluoride, and there have been studies done … that there are impacts to pregnant women to children about having too much.”
He also shared his thoughts on social media, posting, “The Free State of Florida says no to forced medication, and we’re proud to lead the nation on this effort!” DeSantis added.
This legislation aligns with continued warnings from Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who has expressed concern about the potential harms of fluoridated water, suggesting that individuals can maintain dental health without ingesting what he has referred to as a “neurotoxin.” Last November, Ladapo formally urged municipalities throughout the state to halt the fluoridation of their water, a recommendation that some areas have already adopted.
“Due to the neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure, particularly in pregnant women and children, and the wide availability of alternative sources of fluoride for dental health, the State Surgeon General recommends against community water fluoridation,” the guidance issued in December states.
{Matzav.com}