States Move to Ban Water Fluoridation (Utah and Florida Enacted Laws in 2025)
This year, several states have actively debated legislation banning the addition of the mineral to drinking water, and a few have enacted laws. This legislative activity is following a 2024 court decision, Food and Water Watch, et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where the Court found that the current “optimal” level of fluoride in drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presents an unreasonable risk of lowering children’s IQ. Additionally, we’ve seen vocal arguments by the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the announcement of an expedited EPA Review of new scientific information on potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water. As a result, we expect to see continued activity going forward in this policy space.
State Bills Banning Fluoride in Drinking Water in 2025
In March, Utah became the first state to enact a statewide ban on community water fluoridation (HB 81). The legislation prohibits cities and communities from adding fluoride to their water systems and adds fluoride to the list of medications that can be prescribed by a pharmacist. In mid-May, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed SB 700, making Florida the second state to restrict local governments from adding fluoride to drinking water.
Additional legislation debated this year includes measures in Nebraska (their session is scheduled to adjourn at the beginning of June) and Louisiana, where a bill has recently passed the Senate and is now pending in the House. Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee considered similar legislation before their sessions adjourned.
Local Government Action on Fluoride in Drinking Water
Municipal governments across the country are simultaneously acting to remove fluoride from their water systems, including the Woodlawn Utility District, TN, Union County, NC and Collier County, FL. Others, like Sheridan, WY, are taking action following results from a community survey asking citizens their opinions of continuing versus ending the decades-long program. Water treatment plant employee health is also cited as a concern for continued fluoridation.
The Fluoride Action Network, an advocacy group in favor of the removal of fluoride, has argued that between the federal court ruling in September of 2024 and the end of April 2025, sixty-two communities providing water to over 9,000,000 people have ended, suspended, or prevented water fluoridation, including several communities that have indefinitely postponed or rejected proposals to initiate fluoridation.
Public Health Stakeholders' Role in the Debate
The American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other public health organizations and state regulators continue to support water fluoridation as a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay. On the other side of the debate, both elected and appointed state officials are becoming more vocal in the fluoride debate. In late 2024, the Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapd announced guidance recommending against community water fluoridation due to the neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure. Recently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into two consumer products companies arguing that there is a “growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that excessive fluoride exposure is not safe for children.” We expect to see continued debate amongst stakeholders on this issue going forward.
Track Health Care Policy
The ever-evolving state health policy landscape will continue to influence how health care organizations make business decisions. MultiState’s team pulls from decades of expertise to help you effectively navigate and engage. MultiState’s team understands the issues, knows the key players and organizations, and we harness that expertise to help our clients effectively navigate and engage on their policy priorities. We offer customized strategic solutions to help you develop and execute a proactive multistate agenda focused on your company’s goals. Learn more about our Health Care Policy Practice.