US state of Florida wants to establish crypto for taxes

Low taxes, spring break parties, and tropical weather year-round. So far, Florida has been known to most people for this. That could change soon as the topic of crypto is becoming increasingly popular in the Sunshine State. During a public signing of a bill, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized that his state is working on plans that would allow companies to use crypto to pay their tax bills in the future:

I have told state authorities to find ways to accept cryptocurrency if a company wants to pay taxes in crypto. We should be ready to accept this.

Ron DeSantis, Source: YouTube

In addition, he suggested using blockchain technology in pilot programs to drive specific backend functions within government agencies as well as in MedicAid payments.

However, this is not the first time Florida’s governor has been open about cryptocurrencies. Last year, DeSantis proposed measures in the 2022/2023 budget that would allow companies to pay government fees in cryptocurrencies. The governor was less enthusiastic in his speech about state cryptocurrencies, so-called CBDCs:

I think that there are many dangers if it is controlled centrally. I worry about the power that would give someone in a central authority to basically block access to the purchase of certain goods. We would be venturing into uncharted territory.

Ron DeSantis, Source: YouTube

In particular, the metropolis of Miami in southern Florida is considered a crypto Mecca in the scene. Numerous crypto startups have now settled in the greater Miami area. The presence of the new FTX basketball arena also underlines that crypto has arrived in Miami.

The key driver behind this development is the Mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez. This had started in 2020 to actively lure the tech and crypto community to the “Magic City”. The 44-year-old likes to use the communication service Twitter, on which he offers his help to the tech talents who are pouring into the city. His exchange of blows with New York Mayor Eric Adams also attracted media attention – BTC-ECHO reported. Suarez has long been considered a crypto friend. In June 2021, for example, he tried to attract more Bitcoin miners to the city. A little later he brought up the so-called Miami coin in a TV show.