The governor calls it 'forced medication.'

With the stroke of a blue Sharpie, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed this year's "Florida Farm Bill," which among other things makes it against the law to fluoridate municipal water supplies.

DeSantis was at a May 15 event in Dade City to sign the bill ( SB 700 ), but said earlier in May he would approve the legislation. The signing was held at Simpson Lakes , an event venue owned by the son of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. Senate President Ben Albritton also attended.

It also adds consumer protections and establishes the Florida Aquaculture Foundation, but the removal of fluoride from local water supplies has gotten most of the attention. The law goes into effect July 1.

The bill itself doesn't explicitly mention "fluoride" but rather removes it from the state's legal definition of acceptable "water quality additives."

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, making it more resistant to acid from bacteria and sugary foods.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has expressed concerns – rejected by other public health experts – "about physical and mental health risks ... associated with overexposure to fluoride."

DeSantis calls it "forced medication," likening it to the push for vaccinations ("the COVID jab") during the pandemic: "Some people think they know better for you, ... that they should decree how you live your lives," he said at the bill signing.

Dental and health care experts say ending fluoridation of the public water supply could lead to an increase in dental problems, such as cavities. That could affect poorer, often rural populations without dental insurance or which are otherwise limited in their access to dental care.

Earlier this year, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride . Florida will now be the second.

For the most recent legislative staff analysis of the Florida Farm Bill, click here .

This story contains previously published material . Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network – Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at and follow him on Twitter/X: @ JimRosicaFL .