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North Lauderdale staff brief commission as state law would bar adding fluoride to drinking water starting July 1
Summary
Public Works said the city currently doses fluoride at about 0.7 mg/L under FDEP guidance and is awaiting Department of Environmental Protection direction after Florida Senate Bill 700 would prohibit fluoridation effective July 1, 2025.
The city’s utilities staff briefed the commission on fluoride in the municipal water supply and a pending state law that will prohibit adding fluoride to public drinking water after July 1, 2025.
Assistant Public Works Utilities Director Hongwu explained that North Lauderdale currently follows Florida Department of Environmental Protection guidance with a fluoride dosing range of 0.7–1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and that the city doses at about 0.7 mg/L. Staff said the city’s water treatment process uses a lime‑softening system and that fluoride historically was added to reduce tooth decay.
Staff reported the Legislature passed Senate Bill 700, which includes a prohibition on adding fluoride to drinking water; the bill will take effect when signed into law and, as presented in the meeting, is scheduled to be effective July 1, 2025. Utilities staff said they will use remaining chemical storage, will stop ordering new fluoride chemical supplies, and are awaiting operational guidance and reporting instructions from FDEP/DEP so the city can comply with the new law.
Public outreach: staff said they will monitor other jurisdictions’ public‑education plans (for example, Miami‑Dade’s program) and work with the commission on public messaging so residents — especially parents — understand the change and any recommended dental health steps.
Speakers on the record included Assistant Public Works Utilities Director Hongwu and City Manager Michael Sorgeous.
