City of Pembroke Pines begins full phase-out of fluoride in drinking water to meet new Florida law

Pembroke Pines, Florida – In response to a newly signed state law banning the use of fluoride and other additives in public drinking water, the City of Pembroke Pines has begun taking the necessary steps to comply with the legislation ahead of its July 1, 2025, effective date.

The change comes after Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 700 into law on May 15, 2025. The law, officially titled the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bill, prohibits any additives in public water supplies that are not required to meet basic drinking water quality standards. Florida is now the second state, after Utah, to implement such a fluoride ban.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in groundwater, oceans, rainfall, soil, and various foods, has been used for decades in public water systems across the U.S. to help prevent tooth decay. However, shifting public opinion, along with evolving scientific research, has sparked increased scrutiny over the practice of water fluoridation. Several cities nationwide—and even countries in Europe—have already opted to end the practice, citing concerns over the necessity and safety of continued fluoride exposure.

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In a statement released on June 5, 2025, the City of Pembroke Pines confirmed that it would fully comply with the new state law. As one of 27 Broward County cities with public water systems that currently fluoridate, Pembroke Pines has already ceased purchasing fluoride and plans to use its remaining supply by the end of June. City officials stressed that this timeline ensures the city will be in full compliance with the law by its enforcement date.

Prior to the ban, Pembroke Pines maintained a fluoride concentration of 0.7 parts per million (ppm) in its treated water—well below the state’s legal limit of 4.0 ppm. The 0.7 ppm level reflected the nationally recommended concentration for preventing cavities without excessive exposure. Still, under the new law, even this low dosage is no longer allowed, as it is considered a non-essential additive for water quality compliance.

“This is a significant shift for cities like Pembroke Pines that have long relied on water fluoridation as part of their public health strategy,” said a city official. “But we are committed to following state regulations while continuing to provide safe, clean drinking water to our residents.”

Public health experts and municipal leaders have been divided on the issue. While fluoride in drinking water has been linked to reduced rates of dental decay—especially in children—critics argue that widespread access to fluoride through toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dental treatments has made water fluoridation less necessary than it once was. Concerns over potential long-term exposure and the ethics of mass medication have also fueled the ongoing debate.

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Though the new law limits the ability of municipalities to administer fluoride through drinking water, officials encourage residents to consult with dental professionals about alternative fluoride sources if they have concerns about oral health. Local pharmacies and dentists continue to offer a range of fluoride products, including toothpaste and supplements.

Residents of Pembroke Pines are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the city’s official website or contacting the water utility department for more information about water quality standards and the upcoming changes.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Pembroke Pines stands ready to implement the changes while prioritizing the health and well-being of its community under the new statewide guidance.