Florida lawmakers have introduced House Bill 183 during the 2026 legislative session, aiming to integrate Bitcoin into the state's official investment strategy. Filed on October 15, 2025, by Representative Webster Barnaby, the bill could make Florida one of the first US states to manage digital assets as part of its public reserves.
The measure authorizes the state's Chief Financial Officer to allocate up to 10% of specific funds—including the General Revenue Fund and the Budget Stabilization Fund—into Bitcoin and other digital-asset products. It also extends similar authority to the State Board of Administration, allowing the Florida Retirement System to invest up to 10% of its System Trust Fund in digital assets. The bill defines digital assets broadly, encompassing Bitcoin, tokenized securities, and NFTs.
Strict custody rules are mandated, permitting holdings only through the CFO, a licensed custodian, or an SEC-registered ETF. Supporters argue this ensures compliance with federal standards and institutional-grade security. "States are seeking to modernize their balance sheets," said Julian Fahrer, founder of tracking platform Bitcoin Laws. "More than 50 digital-asset reserve bills have been introduced across the US this year, and Florida is clearly moving early."
HB 183 also allows residents to pay certain taxes and fees in digital assets, with payments automatically converted to US dollars. The bill's effective date is set for July 1, 2026. It cites a March 2025 White House executive order establishing a federal "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve," which lawmakers view as validation for using Bitcoin as a store of value and inflation hedge.
Financial implications are significant, with potential additions of up to $1.8 billion to crypto market liquidity, according to analysts. Samuel Armes of the Florida Blockchain Business Association supports the initiative, noting it could boost market confidence. Representative Barnaby emphasized, "Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold—it’s a strategic asset that safeguards taxpayer dollars from fiat erosion."
Florida has already established itself as a crypto-friendly state through policies like the Office of Fintech Policy in 2023 and a Financial Technology Sandbox in 2025. If approved, HB 183 could inspire similar actions in other states like Arizona, New Hampshire, and Texas, and strengthen Florida's position as a fintech hub. The bill now awaits committee hearings in the Florida House before Senate debate.