Florida Recognizes Gold, Silver as Legal Tender

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill making gold and silver coins legal tender in the state, aiming to provide financial sovereignty and protection against the declining value of the U.S. dollar. The law permits these precious metals to be used for certain transactions, including payments through services like PayPal and check cashers, and exempts them from sales tax, although it does not mandate financial institutions to offer related services. DeSantis emphasized that this legislation allows gold and silver to function as real currency again, not merely as investment assets, highlighting recent price increases amid concerns about inflation and the dollar's devaluation. The measure, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, positions Florida as the first large state to adopt such a legal framework, following smaller states that have enacted similar laws. The bill requires the Chief Financial Officer to develop implementing rules and reflects a broader push by DeSantis for economic independence from federal policies, criticizing ongoing federal spending and legislative inaction. While the bill was signed amid protests unrelated to the legislation, DeSantis underscored the importance of fiscal stability and economic freedom for Floridians.