The Miami-Dade County Commission voted Tuesday to end the practice of adding fluoride to the county's drinking water supply, overriding a veto from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The commission vote was 8-4, solidifying a local ban as state legislation also advances toward ending fluoridation statewide.
The override means the county's Water and Sewer Department must stop adding fluoride within 30 days. This would end the practice in early June, preceding a potential statewide ban that would take effect July 1.
Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez sponsored the legislation to end the county's fluoridation program. He stated during the meeting that people are "sick and tired" because "their government has been poisoning them."
The override vote came as statewide legislation banning the addition of fluoride to water supplies passed the Florida Legislature on April 29 and awaits Governor Ron DeSantis's signature. Governor DeSantis scheduled a press conference Tuesday afternoon in Miami, where he indicated plans to sign the bill.
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo had previously urged Miami-Dade commissioners to pass the local ban, citing research suggesting potential health risks for developing fetuses exposed to fluoridated tap water.
However, medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Florida Dental Association disagree with claims that low levels of fluoride in water present a health risk. They maintain that communities removing fluoride could see increases in cavities and dental infections, particularly among low-income families with limited access to dental care.
Mayor Levine Cava criticized the state legislation, stating it disregards the consensus of dentists, doctors, and medical experts.
Adding fluoride to water is a practice used by local governments across Florida to promote oral health, supplementing naturally occurring fluoride levels. Existing standards for water fluoridation are well below the threshold considered safe by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Voting to override the mayor's veto were Commissioners Gonzalez, J.C. Bermudez, Rene Garica, Anthony Rodriguez, Danielle Cohen Higgins, Oliver Gilbert, Keon Hardemon, and Kionne McGhee. Voting against the override were Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Eileen Higgins, Raquel Regalado, and Micky Steinberg.
