Florida lawmakers just banned fluoride in public water. Can the federal government stop them?

No federal law requires drinking water to be fluoridated. Water fluoridation is decided at the local and state levels because of “The Safe Drinking Water Act” signed in 1974.  

Some states have laws that require water systems of a certain size to provide fluoridated water. In other areas, the level of fluoride in water is already naturally high.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday to make Florida the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. This comes two months after Utah passed a ban in March.

In 2022, 78% of Florida’s population received fluoridated water, ranked 23rd in the nation.

Fluoride is a natural element found in groundwater and oceans. Small amounts provide dental benefits while excessive intake can cause bone brittleness and infertility.

The EPA sets legally enforceable limits for maximum fluoride levels in drinking water. The CDC makes non-enforceable recommendations for minimum levels.