CubaHeadlines

Florida Takes a Stand: DeSantis Blocks Water Fluoridation and Geoengineering

Thursday, May 8, 2025 by Emma Garcia

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared his support for two significant legislative measures during an announcement in Miami this Tuesday. These measures seek to prohibit practices such as water fluoridation without local consent and climate modification through geoengineering techniques. The first initiative, SB 700, restricts local governments from adding fluoride to public drinking water without state approval. This response aligns with a warning issued in November 2024 by the state's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, highlighting potential health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. This legislation is part of a broader package known as the "Florida Farm Bill."

"I was in Miami today to endorse SB 700, which bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to drinking water. With widespread access to topical fluoride, there's no need to medicate entire communities without their consent. The Free State of Florida rejects forced medication, and we're proud to lead the nation in this endeavor," DeSantis announced on the social media platform X.

On the same platform, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supported DeSantis's decision. "He's advocating for every Floridian's right to choose what enters their body. That's the essence of the MAHA agenda (Make America Healthy Again): restoring informed consent, safeguarding health freedom, and returning power to the people. I urge governors nationwide to follow his lead," he wrote.

The bill was approved on April 29, amid internal debates in Miami-Dade about maintaining the fluoridation of drinking water, a practice dating back to the 1950s intended to prevent cavities and other dental issues. Once enacted, the law will make Florida the second state—after Utah—to ban fluoride addition to public water, a practice the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deemed one of the 20th century's greatest public health achievements.

On April 1, Miami-Dade commissioners initially voted to eliminate routine water fluoridation; however, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoed this decision on April 11, and on Tuesday morning, the full commission overturned that veto with an 8 to 4 vote. The early April vote was contentious, with Commissioner Raquel Regalado calling for a delay, arguing that there hadn't been an opportunity to consult other dental professionals. She also criticized the committee's March discussion for being one-sided, featuring only critics of fluoride use. In March, Miami-Dade became a hotbed of debate over fluoride's effects in drinking water after recent studies pointed to potential health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.

Geoengineering Ban: Protecting Florida's Skies

The second initiative, SB 56, explicitly bans geoengineering within the state. This new law revokes Florida's authority to issue permits for climate manipulation and penalizes the dispersion of chemicals in the atmosphere to alter climate, temperature, sunlight, or precipitation. Penalties include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 for violations classified as third-degree felonies.

"I reiterated in Miami that Florida is not a testing ground for geoengineering... I will sign SB 56 to prohibit it in our skies. The Free State of Florida means freedom from the unilateral application of chemicals or geoengineering by governments or private entities on people or public spaces," emphasized DeSantis in a statement from his office.

The law also establishes monitoring mechanisms. Starting October 1, all public airports must report to state authorities the presence of aircraft equipped for climate modification. Additionally, a public portal to report potential violations will be launched this summer. These laws bolster the governor's narrative of the "Free State of Florida," emphasizing local control and protection against technological interventions without public approval.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida's New Environmental Laws

What does SB 700 entail regarding water fluoridation in Florida?

SB 700 prevents local governments in Florida from adding fluoride to public drinking water without state approval, addressing health concerns and ensuring community consent.

How does SB 56 impact geoengineering in Florida?

SB 56 bans geoengineering, prohibiting the manipulation of climate and penalizing the dispersion of chemicals in Florida's atmosphere, with substantial fines and prison terms for violations.

What are the potential penalties for violating SB 56?

Violations of SB 56 can lead to up to five years in prison and fines reaching $100,000, classified as third-degree felonies.

What mechanisms are in place to monitor compliance with SB 56?

As of October 1, all public airports in Florida must report aircraft equipped for climate modification, and a public portal will be available to report potential violations.

© CubaHeadlines 2025