Imagine booking your dream vacation to Walt Disney World—only to discover the water your family drinks, brushes their teeth with, and cooks with is missing something essential.
That’s the concern quietly spreading across Florida following a sweeping new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. While headlines remain focused on roller coasters and resort prices, a subtler shift in the state’s water supply could have ripple effects for millions—including tourists visiting Orlando’s theme parks.
So, what exactly is missing from Florida’s water now? And what does this mean for your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth?
Florida Becomes the Second State to Ban Fluoride: Disney World Impacted
In a move that has shocked public health experts nationwide, Florida has officially become the second state—after Utah—to ban the addition of fluoride to public water systems. Governor DeSantis signed the controversial measure Thursday in Dade City, citing concerns over “choice” and “overexposure.”
“When you do this in the water supply, you’re taking away a choice of someone who may not want to have overexposure to fluoride,” DeSantis said at a recent event.
The law, which takes effect July 1, prohibits cities and counties from fluoridating water, even if local governments want to continue the practice. That means water systems across the entire state, including those serving Orlando and the Walt Disney World Resort, will no longer receive this mineral additive.
What Is Fluoride—and Why Was It Added in the First Place?
Fluoride has been added to drinking water for more than 75 years as a cost-effective way to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. According to the CDC, water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by up to 25% in children and adults. The practice has been hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
In fact, most U.S. water systems still fluoridate their supply. But Florida is now breaking ranks.
Supporters of the ban argue that individuals should decide how much fluoride they consume, while opponents warn that removing fluoride disproportionately affects low-income communities, children, and those with limited access to dental care.
Local Governments Fought Back—And Lost
Not everyone in Florida agreed with the move.
Earlier this month, Miami-Dade County tried to protect fluoride in its water supply. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoed the commission’s vote to eliminate it, calling fluoridation “a safe, effective, and efficient way to maintain dental health.” But her veto was overridden.
Across the state, several counties had already begun phasing out fluoride in anticipation of the statewide ban. Now, whether communities like it or not, the decision is final.
A Larger Pattern: Public Health Meets Politics
Florida’s fluoride ban doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a growing trend in some Republican-led states to question long-standing public health practices.
The push to eliminate fluoride has been fueled, in part, by political voices such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who argues against fluoridation and other medical norms. Governor DeSantis—already known for opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates—has aligned himself with this broader campaign of “medical freedom,” backed by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo.
Public health advocates, however, argue the ban is based more on politics than science—and that the consequences may be far-reaching.
What This Means for Disney World Tourists
So, how does this legislation affect the millions of guests flocking to Walt Disney World every year?
Families staying at Disney resorts or surrounding hotels in Orlando will now be drinking non-fluoridated water. And while a short-term vacation may not seem like a major concern, parents of young children may want to take extra precautions, especially if their kids are still developing strong teeth.
“Even brief lapses in fluoride exposure can matter for children,” says a spokesperson for a Florida-based dental association. “It’s not just about what’s in the water—it’s about the cumulative impact over time.”
Visitors brushing with local tap water, drinking from fountains in the theme parks, or preparing infant formula using tap water may now unknowingly be missing a key health safeguard. And unlike sunscreen or hand sanitizer, you can’t pack fluoride in your suitcase—unless you’re bringing your own bottled water or supplements.
Could Other States Follow Florida’s Lead? What This Means for Disney World Moving Forward
Florida and Utah may be just the beginning. With mounting political momentum, other states may soon consider similar bans, leading to a patchwork of fluoride policies across the U.S. That means your family’s health could soon depend on where you travel—and what’s flowing through the hotel sink. For theme park fans, this adds a surprising new factor to trip planning: Is the water where you’re staying protecting your teeth—or leaving you vulnerable?
As of now, Walt Disney World has not released a statement regarding the fluoride ban. But with the law set to take effect in less than two months, the shift will soon become reality for all Florida residents and visitors alike.
Guests concerned about their family’s dental health should consider:
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Bringing fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse when traveling.
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Asking their pediatrician or dentist if temporary fluoride supplements are needed.
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Using bottled or filtered water for young children or infants while in Florida.
In a place where magic is promised and smiles are everywhere, it’s ironic that something as simple as tap water could cast a shadow.
Because now, every glass of water in Florida comes with a question: What’s missing—and why?
