Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Wants Bitcoin on the State’s Books

Byron Donalds, a Republican congressman from Florida, announced his run for governor and has some pretty bold plans for the state’s finances. He wants to make Florida a major player in the global financial world, and a big part of that plan involves cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin in Florida’s Future?

Donalds envisions Florida becoming a crypto-friendly state, attracting businesses and potentially even including Bitcoin in the state’s investment portfolio. He stated: “I want to turn Florida into the financial hub of the world… I would even consider having crypto be a part of the state’s financial portfolio.” This isn’t just about any cryptocurrency; he specifically mentioned Bitcoin.

This announcement got a lot of attention, including praise from former President Trump. Donalds is a strong Trump supporter, which strengthens his position within the Republican party.

Support from Crypto Advocates

Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund (a group pushing for Bitcoin adoption), immediately highlighted Donalds’ comments on X (formerly Twitter). Porter emphasized the significance of a potential Florida governor actively considering adding Bitcoin to the state’s balance sheet. There was a brief discussion on whether Bitcoin is simply a type of cryptocurrency or a unique asset class, with Porter arguing that Bitcoin’s unique characteristics set it apart.

Existing Momentum for Bitcoin in Florida

Donalds’ announcement comes at a time when Florida is already considering legislation (SB 550) that would allow the state to invest up to 10% of its funds in Bitcoin. This bill is sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters, who’s known for his pro-Bitcoin stance.

In short, Donalds’ campaign platform includes ambitious financial goals, with a significant focus on making Florida a leader in the cryptocurrency space, particularly with Bitcoin.