Florida is once again taking the lead in digital innovation. State Representative Webster Barnaby has introduced House Bill 183, marking the first “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” proposal of the 2026 legislative session.
If approved, this bill could make Florida one of the first U.S. states to officially invest public funds in Bitcoin and other digital assets.
Florida’s Bitcoin Reserve Bill of 2026
The bill, sponsored by Representative Webster Barnaby, would allow Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and the State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of public and pension funds in Bitcoin and other approved digital assets like tokenized securities and even NFTs.
To ensure safety, the bill sets clear rules for custody and compliance. All assets must be held by the CFO’s office, a licensed custodian, or through an SEC-registered ETF, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Rep. Barnaby said the goal is to modernize Florida’s investment strategy while keeping it transparent and well-supervised.
The plan also allows the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund to invest up to 10% of its reserves in crypto, giving traditional institutions a secure entry into digital finance.
Paying Taxes in Crypto and Federal Support
Additional HB 183 would enable residents to pay certain taxes and fees in digital assets, which would be automatically converted into U.S. dollars before being deposited into state accounts.
The bill references a March 2025 White House order establishing a federal “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” reflecting growing national support for Bitcoin as a store of value.
Florida’s Growing Crypto Identity
Florida has been steadily building its image as a crypto-friendly state. After launching the Fintech Policy Office in 2023 and a Sandbox program in 2025, the state is now aiming higher with HB 183.
If HB 183 becomes law, it could firmly place Florida among the top crypto hubs in the U.S. Clear rules and a pro-innovation approach may draw more fintech firms, investors, and institutions to the state.
Bitcoin Laws founder Julian Fahrer says more states now see Bitcoin as both a hedge and a liquidity tool, and Florida wants to lead this growing trend.
Trust with CoinPedia:
CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:
All opinions and insights shared represent the author’s own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:
Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
