No More Fluoride: Tampa Bay Water Systems Phase Out Additive Ahead of July Ban

As of July 1, 2025, a newly signed Florida law prohibits local governments from adding fluoride to public drinking water systems. The law does not mandate removal of naturally occurring fluoride only bans additional dosing, but its impact is already unfolding across our region and state.

In the city of Tampa, water officials confirmed their final fluoride shipment arrived on April 4. Without further purchases, the city anticipates using up its supply by June 30, at which point water treatment will cease fluoridation entirely. Similarly, St. Petersburg plans to stop adding fluoride the week of June 16 and will continue until the remaining stock is exhausted by July 1, ensuring a smooth transition. Clearwater, which operates three treatment plants, has already discontinued fluoride at its downtown plant on May 30; a second plant will run out by June 13, while the third, servicing north Clearwater never added fluoride to begin with. In Dunedin, fluoride dosing will end on June 30, aligning with the statewide deadline.

It’s not just Tampa Bay; this movement has swept across Florida. In Hillsborough County’s Lithia treatment plant, fluoride has already been halted, with no new orders placed since March. Beyond the region, at least fourteen cities including Fort Pierce, Ormond Beach, Immokalee, Melbourne, Naples, Tavares, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Palm Bay, Winter Haven, and Miami‑Dade County have also stopped or voted to discontinue fluoridation, impacting roughly one million Floridians.

Florida follows Utah as the second state to ban added fluoride, with Governor DeSantis signing the bill into law on May 15, 2025. Supporters, including Surgeon General Ladapo and figures like RFK Jr., frame the change as a matter of personal choice and "medical freedom" arguing that fluoride exposure via toothpaste and rinse suffices. However, this shift runs counter to strong endorsements from public health authorities like the CDC and American Dental Association, who note that community water fluoridation at 0.7 mg/L is a proven tool for reducing cavities, particularly among children and underserved populations.

With added fluoride ending, residents are advised to adjust their dental routines. Experts recommend using fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments such as varnishes or gels, while also reducing sugar intake and maintaining regular dental visits. Pediatricians stress that children are among the most vulnerable to increased cavities without fluoridated water. Past experiences like those in Calgary and Juneau show that removing fluoride can lead to noticeable spikes in decay rates and dental costs .

As Tampa Bay and Florida head into a fluoride‑free era, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive. Water remains safe and within health standards, but it’s vital to fill the fluoride gap through other means. Talk with your dentist about targeted fluoride options, make sure kids use fluoride toothpaste, and consider supplements if recommended. Together, we can maintain dental health through this shift.