Miami-Dade Commission Overrides Mayor to End Water Fluoridation

Miami-Dade County commissioners have voted to override Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s veto and proceed with removing fluoride from the county’s water supply, ending decades of fluoridation. The commission’s decision came amid heated debate, with supporters of removal citing potential health risks and opponents warning of negative impacts on children's oral health, especially in underserved communities. Polls show residents are divided, though many value dental professionals’ opinions over politicians. The local move may soon be superseded by state action, as Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign legislation banning fluoride in public water systems statewide, which would override county-level decisions. Florida would then become the second state to enact such a ban. State officials, including Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, have supported the measure, emphasizing concerns over fluoride’s safety.