MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign a statewide ban on water fluoridation into law after holding a press conference in Miami on Tuesday.
The press conference was held just hours before Miami-Dade County commissioners voted to override Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s veto and move forward with removing fluoride from the county’s water system.
The 8-4 vote came just weeks after the commission initially passed the measure on April 1. Levine Cava vetoed it 10 days later, citing concerns over public health and the dental wellbeing of children.
Critics of fluoridation say the move could have long-term effects on oral health, especially in underserved communities.
“There are impacts to children and pregnant women. We should all agree that they should have informed consent when it comes to jamming fluoride in your water,” DeSantis said before discussing Senate Bill 700.
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who joined DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson at a 1:30 p.m. news conference in Miami, echoed that message.
“This shouldn’t be forced on people,” DeSantis said. “We don’t want local governments injecting fluoride into the water and causing certain effects. I think Miami-Dade commissioners voted the right way.”
Simpson emphasized the measure as a matter of individual liberty.
“It’s about drawing a bright line between personal health and public freedom. Florida water will be clean, safe and medication free. That’s how it will stay in Florida,” he added. “We need to put the people of Florida first and that’s what signing this bill does.”
The fluoride ban was also included in SB 56, a broader bill that DeSantis is expected to sign Tuesday. In addition to halting water fluoridation, the legislation includes provisions to protect Floridians from geoengineering efforts aimed at fighting climate change.
“Florida is not a testing ground for geoengineering,” he said. “We already do not permit this activity, and I will be signing SB 56 to prohibit the practice in our skies. The Free State of Florida means freedom from governments or private actors unilaterally applying chemicals or geoengineering to people or public spaces.”
“Senate Bill 56 repeals the state’s ability to issue permits for geoengineering and weather modification. The bill also prohibits the injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere for the express purpose of altering weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity,” a news release from DeSantis’ office stated.
Those who violate the law face third-degree felony charges, up to five years in prison, and fines up to $100,000.
Ladapo praised DeSantis for his leadership as the governor is expected to sign both bills.
“This has given me the space for other people to live up (to) what they believe is the right thing to do, and it starts with that man right there,” he said, pointing to DeSantis.
On the fluoride issue, Ladapo added, “You have researchers finding the same things. It’s OK to reverse your position when there’s evidence.”
In a dramatic moment during the event, Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia nearly fainted and fell into Ladapo’s arms while speaking about fluoride. She was helped by attendees and continued discussing the controversial issue.
Florida is set to become the second state in the nation to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, following Utah.
Once signed, both bills will go into effect on July 1.
Local 10 News viewers can watch the full news conference here:
