OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala City Council voted 3-1 on June 17 to repeal a city ordinance that required fluoride in the municipal water supply. The move was made to comply with a new Florida law that prohibits the practice.

This was the second and final reading of the ordinance, and city staff had recommended approval.

State law forces city’s hand

The repeal follows the passage of SB 700, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 15, 2025. The new state law essentially bans the fluoridation of public water across Florida, overriding existing local ordinances.

Resident urges broader view of public health

During public comment, Jason Colchiski, a former U.S. Army military police officer, spoke in support of the repeal, saying it’s time for Ocala’s public health policy to reflect its rapid growth and evolving needs.

“So, I ask is adding fluoride to our water really the best and safest decision for Ocala today,” said Colchiski. “For billions of years, nature has filtered water, yet, we add chemicals, assuming it improves health, but it doesn’t.”

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He noted that most of the world doesn’t fluoridate water and pointed to broader issues like education, access to care, and nutrition as key drivers of dental health. He argued that fluoride already occurs naturally in many foods and can be used voluntarily through toothpaste.

Colchiski also criticized the type of fluoride added to public water, saying it’s an unregulated by-product of phosphate fertilizer plants, not pharmaceutical grade.

“Ocala has the rare opportunity to lead, not by clinging to outdated policies but by stepping forward transparency, science and care,” he said.

Councilman stands by fluoride benefits

Councilman Jay Musleh, representing District 3, cast the lone vote against repealing the ordinance. While he acknowledged the city must follow state law, he said he would have preferred a resolution to suspend fluoridation, rather than repeal the ordinance entirely.

Musleh has previously supported fluoridation as a public health benefit.

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