Mayor Levine Cava Vetoes Resolution to End Water Fluoridation in Miami-Dade
by Julia Franklin
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on Thursday vetoed a resolution passed by the Board of County Commissioners that would have ended the fluoridation of the county’s water supply, citing strong opposition from health professionals and community advocates.
The resolution, approved April 1 as Resolution No. R-370-25, directed the county to cease water fluoridation within 30 days. In response, Levine Cava held a press conference surrounded by local dentists, public health experts, and concerned parents, including members of the Dade County Medical Association and Dr. Beatriz Terry, immediate past president of the Florida Dental Association.
“As not only your Mayor, but also as a mother and grandmother, I care deeply about protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community,” Levine Cava said. “I have listened to the dentists and medical experts and the message is clear: Water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and efficient way to maintain dental health in our county – and halting it could have long-lasting health consequences, especially for our most vulnerable families.”
Fluoridation of Miami-Dade’s water has been in place since 1958. Public health officials and dental professionals at the press conference emphasized the role fluoridation plays in preventing tooth decay, particularly in children and underserved populations.
Levine Cava expressed openness to further dialogue but called on the Board to uphold her veto.
“I welcome continued and balanced dialogue as we move forward to make the best decision on behalf of our county’s nearly three million residents,” she said. “I urge the Board to sustain this veto, so that we can continue building a safe and healthy Miami-Dade.”
The resolution now returns to the Commission, which can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.
