Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning local governments from adding fluoride to water, citing informed consent. The law, effective July 1st, contradicts major health organizations' warnings about negative health impacts. While about 100 water systems currently add fluoride, many municipalities already stopped due to prior local decisions or anticipation of the state ban. The decision follows advocacy from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, despite opposition from dental experts who emphasize fluoride's safety and efficacy in preventing tooth decay. The FDA's concurrent plan to remove ingestible fluoride supplements adds complexity to the issue.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.