Florida Lawmakers Push Bitcoin Reserve Bill

Florida has entered the spotlight of Bitcoin Reserve adoption after lawmakers filed House Bill 183, a proposal that could see the state allocate up to 10% of public funds into Bitcoin and digital asset ETFs. Sponsored by Representative Webster Barnaby, the bill aims to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, empowering the State CFO and State Board of Administration to manage investments from key accounts, including the General Revenue Fund and Budget Stabilization Fund.

Barnaby emphasized that the bill blends fiscal responsibility with innovation, describing Bitcoin as a “strategic hedge against inflation.” If enacted, Florida would join a growing list of U.S. states embracing Bitcoin as part of treasury diversification.

The initiative follows the U.S. Treasury’s federal Bitcoin reserve, created earlier this year using forfeited assets totaling 200,000 BTC, now valued at over $19 billion. Florida’s pension fund already carries $800 million in crypto-linked assets, reinforcing the state’s crypto-forward stance under Governor Ron DeSantis.

“Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold—it’s a strategic asset that safeguards taxpayer dollars from fiat erosion,” Barnaby said in his press release.

National Trend Gains Momentum

Florida’s move builds on a wave of state-level Bitcoin reserve proposals inspired by President Trump’s January executive order, which commissioned a national Bitcoin stockpile feasibility study.

Earlier in 2025, Senator Joe Gruters introduced Senate Bill 550 targeting a similar 10% allocation, but it stalled in committee. HB 183’s revival aligns with the broader institutional adoption trend—Bitcoin has rallied 150% year-to-date to $95,000, reinforcing its perception as a macro hedge.

Analysts at the Bitcoin Policy Institute estimate that if five additional states follow suit, it could accelerate federal adoption under legislation such as Senator Cynthia Lummis’ BITCOIN Act, aiming to establish a 1 million BTC national reserve.

Fiscal and Regulatory Considerations

Despite the excitement, challenges remain. HB 183 outlines strict custody standards, mandating U.S.-regulated custodians and clear reporting to minimize exposure. Critics, including fiscal watchdogs, caution about volatility risks reminiscent of 2022’s drawdowns.

Environmental scrutiny also looms, though Florida officials stress compliance with sustainability frameworks. Samuel Armes, President of the Florida Blockchain Business Association, noted that even a 1% pension allocation could bring $1.8 billion in liquidity to the crypto market, while strengthening financial sovereignty.

“This isn’t speculation—it’s sovereignty,” Armes said, echoing growing sentiment that Bitcoin is evolving from a fringe investment into a treasury staple.

As sessions resume in spring 2026, Florida could fast-track the bill, igniting what analysts like Samson Mow (Jan3) call the start of a ‘sudden phase’ of state-level Bitcoin adoption.

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@BTC_Archive Florida isn’t experimenting, they’re formalizing Bitcoin as part of public reserves. History shows government-backed allocation often accelerates adoption and legitimacy. Which other states will follow this blueprint next?

"JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Florida files Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill House Bill 183 will allow Florida to invest 10% of public funds in Bitcoin 🔥 (Source: Bitcoin Laws) https://t.co/Zju4om9QQg"— @

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@XInsiderCrypto

about 9 hours ago