Florida Governor Bans Water Fluoridation Across the State

• The law was introduced amid growing skepticism of government-run health interventions — This ban is part of a broader national movement fueled by leaders like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. secretary of health and human services, and Lee Zeldin, who leads the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Kennedy has publicly called for all U.S. states to eliminate fluoride from drinking water. DeSantis’ position reflects this new wave of political health independence, where bodily autonomy has become a rallying cry in matters of public policy.

• There are safer, individualized alternatives — According to DeSantis, the issue isn’t about whether fluoride helps teeth. It’s about removing mandatory exposure through municipal water. This line of reasoning appeals to parents, caregivers and individuals who want more control over how and when fluoride enters their or their children’s bodies.

• More states are considering similar bans, and federal policy could change — Ohio and Texas are now weighing their own anti-fluoride legislation.

Meanwhile, Zeldin announced that the EPA is reevaluating its fluoride recommendations, and Kennedy planned to tell the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop endorsing community water fluoridation altogether. These announcements suggest that what began as a state-level move could soon reshape federal policy.

• Compelling evidence links fluoride to neurological and hormonal damage — Multiple modern studies, many of them high-quality human trials, show clear links between fluoride exposure and reduced intelligence in children. A systematic review in JAMA Pediatrics found that fluoride negatively impacts children’s IQ, for instance.³

• Fluoride has negative effects on thyroid function — Fluoride was once used medically in the 1950s in both Europe and South America to lower thyroid hormone levels in people with overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism.

That usage relied on a daily fluoride dose as low as 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) — levels many people already consume today if they live in fluoridated regions.⁴ Even modest intake, over time, interferes with thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, energy and mood.

• Countries around the world have already rejected water fluoridation — About 98% of people living in Western Europe now drink non-fluoridated water. Nations including Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden have completely banned the practice. Instead, they rely on education, dietary improvements and fluoride-free oral hygiene products to support dental health without risking neurological harm.

• Researchers found strong evidence of lower IQ scores in fluoride-exposed children — Eighteen of the 19 highest-quality studies showed that children exposed to elevated fluoride levels scored lower on IQ tests.

These results held across different countries, cultures and types of study design, which adds weight to their validity. The review specifically highlighted three prospective cohort studies, which also found significant negative effects on children’s cognitive development.

• The higher the fluoride, the worse the cognitive outcomes — The researchers found a clear pattern: as fluoride exposure increased, IQ scores decreased. Children living in areas with drinking water fluoride concentrations above 1.5 mg/L — the World Health Organization’s maximum safe level — were consistently more likely to show lower intellectual performance.

• IQ risks apply even in the U.S. due to total fluoride exposure, not just water levels — The review emphasized that children in the U.S. often exceed “safe” fluoride levels even if their water supply meets federal guidelines. That’s because fluoride doesn’t just come from drinking water. It’s also found in toothpaste, processed food, tea and other sources.

While most of the strongest evidence comes from high-exposure regions, the cumulative intake from multiple sources means that U.S. children, especially those in areas with natural fluoride over 1.5 mg/L, are not exempt from risk.

1. Switch to a fluoride-filtering water system at home — Fluoride isn’t easy to filter out. Common filters like Brita or PUR won’t do the job. Also, while reverse osmosis has been the standard for removing fluoride for years, it has significant drawbacks, such as wasting water and removing healthy minerals from the water.

Similarly, bone char technology requires the water to be acidic to work properly. So, be sure to install a high-quality filtration system designed to remove fluoride. If you can, consider a whole-house filtration system to catch fluoride at every point of use, including your kitchen sink, bathtub and shower.

2. Use fluoride-free toothpaste and dental products — Most mainstream toothpastes are loaded with fluoride. You’re not just brushing your teeth with it, you’re also absorbing it through your gums and swallowing trace amounts. That adds up over time. Look for fluoride-free toothpaste and skip the fluoride mouthwashes and gels altogether. The cavity protection you’re looking for comes from mechanical brushing, not chemical exposure.

3. Prepare infant formula with filtered water — If you’re formula feeding your baby, this one’s important. Tap water in fluoridated areas often contains levels high enough to affect a newborn’s brain development.

Use only fluoride-free, filtered water, especially during those early developmental months. Breastfeeding is still the best option whenever possible, as breastmilk contains virtually no fluoride and supports healthier gut and immune system development.

4. Watch for hidden sources in your food and drinks — You might not realize that fluoride is also found in everyday items like black and green tea, processed chicken and canned soup. Tea leaves naturally absorb fluoride from the soil, and mechanical processing of poultry often leaves residues on the meat.

5. Stay informed and rethink the fluoride conversation — Most people were taught that fluoride is essential for healthy teeth, but the truth is, modern research is clear: swallowing fluoride exposes you to risks with no benefit. Use this as an opportunity to take back control. The more informed you are, the better choices you can make for your health and your family’s future.