The state's surgeon general has already convinced at least 11 municipalities to stop adding the naturally occurring mineral into the water, using his high profile as Florida’s top health officer and a recent official recommendation against fluoride use.

RFK Jr has long expressed views that conflict with scientific evidence, especially on vaccines, and his nomination has provoked opposition from public health experts. But he has also adopted positions with popular support, scrutinising the use of food additives and urging that the power of big pharma be curbed.