ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg announced Tuesday that it will stop adding fluoride to its public drinking water system by July 1.
The move comes after Senate Bill 700 was signed into law, banning the use of fluoride in Florida’s water system. The city said it will implement the changes the week of June 16 and continue until existing fluoride supplies are depleted.
The legislation does not require the removal of naturally occurring fluoride, which is present in some water sources. Officials stated that St. Pete’s drinking water naturally contains fluoride, and the city will continue monitoring these levels to ensure they remain safe.
“The city is working to implement statutorily required changes to our water system by July and these changes will not impact the overall water quality and safety,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch in a statement. “Despite these changes, my administration remains dedicated to public health and the benefits of optimal fluoridation. As we work with community partners to explore ways that help impacted residents maintain their dental health, we will continue to provide updates and resources.”
City officials encourage residents to support their dental wellness in other ways, such as using toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain fluoride, maintaining regular dental check-ups, limiting sugary foods and beverages, and consulting dental professionals about supplemental fluoride treatments if necessary.
For more information on St. Pete’s water treatment practices and water quality, visit the city’s website.
Original article online at: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/06/10/st–petersburg-water-fluoride-ending