Miami Dade County Commission votes to override mayor's fluoride veto

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on May 6, 2025, to address a significant issue regarding the mayor's veto of a resolution aimed at removing fluoride from the county's water supply. The meeting highlighted a contentious debate over local governance, public health, and state preemption.

Commissioner Gonzales initiated a motion to override the mayor's veto, emphasizing the board's leadership role in public health decisions. He argued that Miami-Dade County had set a precedent as the first major metropolitan area in the U.S. to eliminate a neurotoxin from its water, asserting that local government should prioritize the health of its residents over state mandates. Gonzales expressed frustration with the notion that such decisions should be dictated by state or federal authorities, reinforcing the importance of local governance.

In contrast, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed her disappointment with the board's decision, citing the recent passage of Senate Bill 700 by the Florida legislature, which prohibits the addition of fluoride to public water systems statewide. She defended fluoride as a safe and effective means of protecting oral health, particularly for families with limited access to dental care. The mayor urged the commission to respect state law and the consensus of medical experts who support fluoridation.

The discussion also included various commissioners weighing in on the implications of the veto and the state law. Some expressed concerns about the board's authority to dictate water chemistry, while others highlighted the need for a balanced approach to public health. The debate underscored the complexities of local versus state governance and the challenges of addressing public health issues in a politically charged environment.

Ultimately, the board voted to override the mayor's veto, signaling a commitment to local decision-making in public health matters. The outcome reflects ongoing tensions between local initiatives and state regulations, as well as the broader implications for community health and governance in Miami-Dade County. The administration will now need to navigate the conflict between the board's decision and state law, raising questions about the future of fluoride in the county's water supply.