Fluoride in the News


American Dental Association Responds to Study Regarding Fluoride Intake in Mexico

Recent fluoridation status update:

  • Brooksville - In 2018, community water fluoridation was brought to the City Council of Brooksville. The city had been fluoridating its water supply for many years, but efforts to cease this resurrected in the summer of 2018. The City Council wanted its residents to decide on whether or not to continue water fluoridation. A referendum was put forward to voters, and on November 6, 2018, the voters of Brooksville overwhelmingly supported to keep their community fluoridated.
  • Clearwater - In April of 2018, the Clearwater City Council voted to support a proposal to provide fluoridation in the city's two water treatment plants. 
  • Madison - The City of Madison abruptly halted its fluoridation program on April 30, 2018, after providing fluoridated water to its residents since 1985. The City Council had not voted to remove fluoridation, the program was just stopped. After support from the local health community and the Madison County Health Department, the city restarted its program on May 22, 2018.
  • Melbourne - On November 26, 2019, the City Council of Melbourne heard testimony regarding community water fluoridation. Discussion on the benefits of fluoridation was brought forth and the City Council was asked to vote on whether to cease their fluoridation program. After testimony from the local health community, the council voted to continue fluoridating its water supply.
  • Mims - On May 4, 2021, a Brevard County Commissioner brought up discontinuing Mims'  community water fluoridation at the end of a county commission meeting. The item was not previously noticed on the agenda. They voted to discontinue the fluoridation program there. The 8,000 residents of Mims were not allowed to weigh on this decision which affects their oral health and overall health. The Brevard County Commission has put Mims' water fluoridation on their June 21 agenda. 
  • Ocala - In March of 2019, the City of Ocala began discussing ceasing their water fluoridation program. The city had been implementing community water fluoridation for 63 years, and cited budgetary restraints as to why their were going to halt the program. After testimony from local dentists, the Ocala County Health Department and Florida Health Department was given, the City Council voted to keep fluoridating their water supply in April.
  • Tavares - In November of 2020, the City of Tavares held a vote to cease their community water fluoridation program. The city council voted 4-1 to retain fluoridation which has greatly benefited their rural population.



Fluoridation Team:

Joe Anne Hart
Joe Anne Hart

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Alexandra Abboud
Alexandra Abboud

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Dr. Gerald Bird
Dr. Gerald Bird

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STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT


Frequently Asked Questions about Fluoride and community water fluoridation.

Along with the overwhelming majority of the world’s health care organizations and leaders within the scientific community, the Florida Department of Health firmly supports and continues to recommend community water fluoridation as the most economical and effective means to control the major public health problem of dental caries.

– Celeste Philip, MD, MPH
Former Florida Surgeon General

Water fluoridation is the best method for delivering fluoride to all members of the community, regardless of age, education, income level or access to routine dental care. Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay extends throughout one’s life, resulting in fewer – and less severe – cavities. In fact, each generation born over the past 70 years has enjoyed better dental health than the one before it.

– Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A.
Former United States Surgeon General

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