On Tuesday in Miami, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he'll sign the "Florida Farm Bill" (SB 700), which preempts local municipalities from adding fluoride to their water.

As of July 1, it'll be against the law to fluoridate water in Florida.

On May 6 in Miami, Gov. Ron DeSantis, accompanied by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, said he's signing the " Florida Farm Bill " (SB 700), which prevents local municipalities from adding fluoride to their water.

The legislation also does other things like add consumer protections and establish the Florida Aquaculture Foundation, but the removal of fluoride from local water supplies is what has gotten the most attention.

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

But during his press conference, behind a sign that said "Free State of Florida," DeSantis said: "It's forced medication when they're jamming fluoride into your water supply."

The bill itself doesn't explicitly mention fluoride, but rather bans certain additives in the water system.

DeSantis spent time blasting former chief medical adviser to the United States Anthony Fauci and the Covid-19 vaccine before talking about "studies that have raised concerns about physical and mental health risks that have been associated with over exposure to fluoride."

Earlier in the day, Miami-Dade County commissioners also voted to override Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's veto and proceed with plans to remove fluoride from the county's water supply.

"I think they voted the right way, so thank you," DeSantis said. "For the counties that voted the other way, the legislation that we'll sign is going to answer that question."

The legislative move to nix fluoride additive from Florida's drinking water isn't a surprise, as Ladapo, who heads the Florida Department of Health, has backed arguments the American Dental Association call " dangerous ." Bill supporters maintain fluoride is naturally occurring in water sources and adding more is unnecessary.

In November , Ladapo told communities to stop fluoridating their drinking water, citing concerns over fluoride causing "adverse effects in children reducing IQ, cognitive impairment, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder."

But the Florida Dental Association issued a statement saying Ladapo's guidance against fluoride was "based on flawed and unscientific reports" and said it continues to "support ... community water fluoridation as an effective tool in reducing dental decay."

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called community water fluoridation one of the 10 greatest public health achievements in the 20th century.

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

This is a developing news story and has been updated. Check back later for more.

Ana Goñi-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network – Florida, can be reached at .