### Florida Takes Bold Step: Gold and Silver Become Legal Tender In a significant move towards financial autonomy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that recognizes gold and silver as legal tender in the state. This law, which exempts these precious metals from sales tax, marks a pivotal shift in Florida's monetary policy, aiming to provide residents with an alternative to the US dollar amid concerns over inflation and federal monetary policy. This is the second instance of such legislation in recent years, reflecting a growing trend towards "sound money" principles in the state [https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/florida-governor-charts-course-to-end-sales-taxes-on-gold-and-silver-202505291930]. ### Legislative Overview: Structure and Implications 1. **Legal Recognition of Precious Metals**: The new law officially classifies gold and silver coins as legal currency, allowing them to be used for transactions within Florida [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/governor-desantis-signs-bill-to-make-gold-and-silver-legal-tender-in-florida/articleshow/121486252.cms]. 2. **Sales Tax Exemption**: Gold and silver transactions will be exempt from sales tax, making them more attractive for everyday use [https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-gold-silver-legal-tender-ron-desantis-currency-2025-5]. 3. **Economic Rationale**: Governor DeSantis has criticized the US dollar's vulnerability to inflation and federal monetary policy, positioning this legislation as a safeguard for Floridians' financial sovereignty [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/florida-passes-hb-999-gold-silver-now-legal-for-transactions-how-will-it-work/3859702]. 4. **Optional Acceptance for Businesses**: While the law establishes gold and silver as legal tender, businesses are not mandated to accept them, allowing for flexibility in transactions [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/finance-and-economy/3423735/desantis-bill-florida-gold-legal-tender]. ### Supporting Evidence: Economic Context and Public Reception - **Legislative Support**: The bill, known as House Bill 999, was signed into law during a public ceremony, indicating strong support from the state government [https://www.thedeepdive.ca/florida-becomes-nations-largest-state-to-allow-gold-silver-as-legal-tender]. - **Public Sentiment**: The move has been met with enthusiasm from proponents of sound money, who view it as a return to traditional currency values and a hedge against economic instability [https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45637935/florida-to-embrace-gold-and-silver-as-real-currency-amid-wavering-dollar-confidence]. - **Potential Impact**: As the largest state to adopt such measures, Florida's decision could influence other states to consider similar legislation, potentially reshaping the landscape of currency use in the United States [https://www.fox13news.com/news/gov-desantis-signs-bill-make-gold-silver-legal-tender-florida]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Currency in Florida In summary, Florida's recent legislation to recognize gold and silver as legal tender represents a significant shift in the state's approach to currency and economic policy. 1. **Legislation Overview**: The law allows for the use of gold and silver in transactions, exempting them from sales tax. 2. **Economic Rationale**: It aims to provide an alternative to the US dollar, addressing concerns over inflation and federal monetary policy. 3. **Public and Legislative Support**: The move has garnered positive reception and could set a precedent for other states. This initiative not only enhances financial sovereignty for Floridians but also positions Florida as a leader in the movement towards sound money principles in the United States [https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/desantis-signs-bill-making-gold-silver-coins-legal-currency-in-florida].