Following a push by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and another Republican-led state, Florida this week banned the long-standing practice of adding fluoride to public water systems.
Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis, on May 15, signed the 2025 “Florida Farm Bill,” which removes fluoride from the state’s legal definition of acceptable “water quality additives.”
Fluoride, a naturally occurring element, is found in water, soil, air and some foods, helps prevent dental cavities and tooth decay.
In a measure opposed by dentists and medical organizations but praised by Kennedy, the secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services, and others questioning it’s safety, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride earlier this year.
The new legislation was signed into law by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on March 29 after being approved by the Utah State Senate in late February.
Why are states banning fluoride in public water? How many states have nixed the mineral from drinking water? What other states could follow in their footsteps? Here’s what to know.
Opinion: DeSantis bans fluoride in Florida water, following RFK Jr.’s pro-tooth decay lead
Which states have banned fluoride?
As of May 16, two states had banned fluoride from public drinking water.
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Utah: Republican state lawmakers Rep. Stephanie Gricius and Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore sponsored the bill, which was signed by Cox and went into effect May 7.
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Florida: The bill, introduced by Republican state Sen. Keith Truenow, was signed by DeSantis on May 15 and is set to go into effect on July 1.
Exclusive: As RFK Jr. targets fluoride, Texas is coming for kids toothpaste
Which states have anti-fluoride bills on the table?
Several other states have introduced bills that would curb the use of fluoride in water. They include:
Lawmakers in other states including North Dakota, Arkansas, Tennessee, Montana and New Hampshire saw anti-fluoride legislation effort but the bill either failed or was tabled and missed deadline for the year.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is an inorganic, tooth health-boosting mineral that helps prevent cavities and strengthens teeth.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has touted fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. The CDC maintains that fluoridated water is both safe and cost-effective.
The mineral has been added to public water supplies for decades in the U.S. and to dental products including toothpaste, as a dental cavities prevention measure.
Why are some states banning fluoride in water?
Kennedy, who was appointed by President Donald Trump as the nation’s top health adviser despite having no medical training under his belt, has led a renewed charge against adding fluoride to water.
In November, Kennedy announced on X the Trump administration would “advise all U.S water systems to remove fluoride from public water,” citing unconfirmed health concerns including arthritis, cancer and IQ loss.
Earlier this week, federal health officials said they are beginning to remove ingestible fluoride supplements for children from the market.
Dig deeper: FDA moves to take fluoride supplements for children off the market
How much fluoride is safe in public water?
The U.S. Public Health Service recommends public water systems contain a fluoride level of .7 milligrams per liter of water. The World Health Organization’s recommended limit for fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 milligrams per liter.
Federal public health agencies recommend public water systems be calibrated to less than half the fluoride levels which this research links to lower IQ in children.
Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge Ken Alltucker and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fluoride bans pass in Florida, Utah. Other states introduced bills.
The post Two states have now passed fluoride bans. These other ones introduced bills. appeared first on USA TODAY.
