Florida Proposes to Include Bitcoin and ETFs in State Funds and Pension Funds

Florida lawmakers have opened the 2026 legislative session to include bitcoin in the state's library of financial instruments.
Florida's House Bill 183, introduced in the House of Representatives, would allow the state's chief financial officer to invest up to 10 per cent of designated public funds, including general income funds, budget stabilisation funds and various types of trusts, in "digital assets" and ETFs. If passed, the bill would also empower the state board of governors to invest up to 10 per cent of the funds in Florida's retirement system trusts in digital assets. The bill defines digital assets as including bitcoin, tokenised securities and NFTs, and sets strict custody and control requirements. Assets can be held in the custody of the chief financial officer, a qualified custodian or through an SEC-registered ETF.
HB 183, which positions bitcoin as a potential store of value for state funds and an anti-inflation hedge, would also allow Florida residents to use digital assets to pay certain taxes and fees. It is currently awaiting distribution and hearing by House committees. If it is advanced, it still needs Senate approval and the governor's signature before it can become law.