On February 5, 2025, officials in Florida’s Lee County voted unanimously to eliminate fluoride from the county’s water supply. This decision aligns with Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo’s recent recommendations to discontinue water fluoridation statewide.
During the meeting, Surgeon General Ladapo emphasized concerns about fluoride’s impact on vulnerable populations, stating, “It’s insane to continue to support this… And you know who suffers the most? Well so far, it’s children and pregnant women. Those are the most sensitive populations. That’s where the strongest data are.”
Vice Chairman Cecil Pendergrass of the Lee County Board of Commissioners acknowledged the need to provide fluoride alternatives, noting, “Obviously, we’re going to obviously provide fluoride for people if they need it, but there will be ways for them to get it. But the county should not be putting that in the system for people.”
Lee County’s decision follows similar actions in other Florida municipalities. In November 2024, the city of Winter Haven voted to remove fluoride from its water, citing concerns raised by Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of water fluoridation, asserting that fluoride is “an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.”
In December 2024, Surgeon General Ladapo issued guidance urging Florida cities to cease water fluoridation. The guidance highlighted the neuropsychiatric risks associated with fluoride exposure, especially in pregnant women and children, and pointed to the availability of alternative fluoride sources for dental health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently advanced through committee for his nomination, continues to advocate against water fluoridation. He warns that fluoride exposure is linked to various health issues, including reduced IQ in children, arthritis, bone fractures, thyroid problems, and bone cancer.
The removal of fluoride from public water supplies remains a contentious issue. Proponents of fluoridation argue that it is a safe and effective measure to prevent tooth decay, endorsed by numerous health organizations. Opponents, however, raise concerns about potential health risks and ethical considerations regarding mass medication without individual consent.
As the debate continues, communities are weighing the benefits of water fluoridation against potential risks, considering both public health objectives and individual rights.
