TALLAHASEE, Fla. — Florida lawmakers may soon ban the addition of fluoride and other non-purifying additives into local water. CS 700 seeks to restrict flouride use in water sources throughout the state, among other farm-related items.

“No government entity has the right to medicate us against our will,” said Pueschel Schneier, an Escambia County resident who spoke out Tuesday inside the Capitol against water additives. “They have no right to medicate an entire population because they believe that maybe a small portion of the population would benefit from it.”

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is among the critics of fluoride in water. He spoke against the process at a press conference in Winter Haven in November 2024. A city east of Tampa, Winter Haven voted in November to stop adding fluoride to water. 

“In this day and age, with the additional sources of fluoride that people have access to, it is public health malpractice to continue adding fluoride to community water systems that pregnant women and children have access to,” said Ladapo. 

The bill’s critics argue the issue of fluoride is better decided by local governments rather than the state. They also note the potential health benefits. 

“It should be something that local authorities should be able to determine without preemption, because they might have a large portion of citizens who need that additional assistance,” said Florida League of Women Voters Co-President Cecile School.

Others take issue with the bill’s impacts on plant-based products. The measure would ban milk or meat labels on plant-based products, perhaps like almond milk or an impossible burger. 

“Big agriculture does not need protection from big scary soy boys like me,” Florida For All Legislative Director Jackson Oberlink. 

The bill moves next onto the Senate floor. If approved, the Florida House will deliver a final vote.