Florida HB 183 May Allow Up to 10% Bitcoin Allocations in State Funds, HB 175 Could Ease Stablecoin Rules

• HB 183 permits up to 10% allocation of select state funds into Bitcoin and other digital assets, with strict custody and conversion rules.

• HB 175 exempts recognized payment stablecoins from separate licenses and requires monthly public reserve audits and full backing by US dollars or treasuries.

• Both bills were filed October 15 and are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026; Florida cites prior fintech initiatives as context.

Florida HB 183 Bitcoin allocation allows up to 10% of select state funds into Bitcoin; HB 175 streamlines stablecoin rules—effective July 1, 2026. COINOTAG.

Florida’s HB 183 authorizes 10% Bitcoin allocation in state funds, while HB 175 streamlines stablecoin regulations, both effective July 2026.

Published: October 15, 2025 | Updated: October 17, 2025 | Author: COINOTAG

Florida lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session with two consequential proposals designed to formalize digital-asset exposure in state finance and to clarify the regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers. Both HB 183 and HB 175 were filed on October 15 and are written to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Representative Webster Barnaby introduced HB 183, which instructs the Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to have authority to allocate up to 10% of specified funds—including the General Revenue Fund, the Budget Stabilization Fund and certain trust assets—into Bitcoin and other broadly defined digital assets. The bill’s digital asset definition includes Bitcoin, tokenized securities and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The proposal places custody and conversion guardrails at its core. Holdings must be maintained either through the CFO, a licensed custodian, or an SEC-registered ETF. Any taxes or state fees paid in digital assets would be converted to U.S. dollars and deposited into state accounts under prescribed procedures.

What is Florida’s HB 183 Bitcoin allocation bill?

Florida HB 183 Bitcoin allocation authorizes the Chief Financial Officer to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin and a wide category of digital assets, subject to strict custody, custody-provider and conversion rules. The bill also permits the Florida Retirement System to allocate up to 10% of its System Trust Fund under the same framework.

How does HB 175 change stablecoin regulation in Florida?

HB 175 aims to simplify registration and licensing for stablecoin issuers by exempting recognized payment stablecoins from separate state licenses while imposing rigorous reserves standards. Issuers must fully back circulating stablecoins with U.S. dollars or U.S. Treasury obligations and provide monthly public audits of reserves. The bill removes duplicative state licensing where a stablecoin is already recognized as a payment stablecoin and sets transparency requirements to protect users and state exposure.

The sponsor, Representative Webster Barnaby, said in a public post on X: “I am proud to be running this bill to place Florida on the cutting edge of financial technology, and to set the example for other states to follow.” This quote, provided as plain text, underscores the legislative intent to balance innovation with consumer protection.

Florida growing crypto infrastructure

State-level initiatives underpin both bills. Florida established an Office of Fintech Policy in 2023 and launched a Financial Technology Sandbox in 2025—measures cited in bill filings as evidence of an ongoing strategy to support digital finance. Proponents also reference the federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve announcement from March 2025 as context for HB 183’s approach to state-level Bitcoin allocation (source: federal policy announcement, March 2025).

These proposals include explicit operational safeguards: limit thresholds (10%), custody and custodial-provider requirements, and conversion-to-dollar procedures for tax and fee flows. Public audits and reserve requirements for stablecoins are intended to reduce systemic risk and increase transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Florida state funds invest in Bitcoin under HB 183 and what are the limits?

Yes. Under HB 183, the Florida CFO may invest up to 10% of certain designated funds—such as the General Revenue Fund and Budget Stabilization Fund—in Bitcoin and other digital assets, provided assets are held via the CFO, a licensed custodian, or an SEC-registered ETF and satisfy statutory custody and conversion rules.

When do HB 183 and HB 175 become effective?

Both bills are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, unless amended or delayed by subsequent legislative action. This timeline gives agencies and market participants time to prepare operational, custody and compliance arrangements.

Key Takeaways

• Authorized allocation: HB 183 permits up to 10% allocation of specified state funds into Bitcoin and defined digital assets, with custody and conversion safeguards.
• Stablecoin standards: HB 175 requires full USD or Treasury backing and monthly public audits, while exempting recognized payment stablecoins from duplicate state licensing.
• Policy context and timing: Both bills align with Florida’s prior fintech initiatives and are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026; official federal and state announcements provide contextual precedent.

Conclusion

Florida’s twin proposals — HB 183 and HB 175 — represent a coordinated push to integrate digital assets into state financial policy while imposing custody, reserve and transparency rules to limit risk. With effective dates set for July 1, 2026, the measures reflect an incremental, regulated approach to state-held Bitcoin exposure and clearer rules for stablecoin issuers. COINOTAG will track legislative developments and implementation guidance as agencies prepare to operationalize these changes.

Also Read: US Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Turn Crypto 401(k) Order Into Law

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TAGGED: Stablecoin