Florida has passed a new legal tender law involving certain gold and silver coin, and it has created some interesting conversation around how money, contracts, and payments could be discussed in the future — including in real estate.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal, tax, financial, title, or contract advice.

What Changed?

Florida law now recognizes certain gold coin and silver coin as legal tender in the state for payment of debts incurred on or after July 1, 2026.

According to Florida Statute 215.986, gold coin and silver coin must meet specific requirements to be recognized as legal tender. The statute defines the types of gold and silver that qualify, how they may be used, and when they may be recognized for payment of a debt.

Florida Senate records for CS/CS/HB 1311 state that the 2026 bill prevents the automatic repeal of Chapter 2025-100, Laws of Florida, which recognizes gold and silver coin as legal tender in Florida. The Florida Senate bill summary also states that the law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

What Counts as “Gold Coin” or “Silver Coin”?

Florida Statute 215.986 includes specific definitions.

For gold coin to qualify, it must be a solid form of gold in the shape of rounds, bars, ingots, or bullion coins. It must be valued for its metal content, stamped or imprinted with its weight and purity, and consist of at least 99.5 percent purity.

For silver coin to qualify, it must be a solid form of silver in the shape of rounds, bars, ingots, or bullion coins. It must be valued for its metal content, stamped or imprinted with its weight and purity, and consist of at least 99.9 percent purity.

The statute excludes jewelry, utility items, and collectibles from these definitions.

Is Gold or Silver Required in Florida Real Estate Transactions?

No.

Florida Statute 215.986 says a person or entity may not be required to offer or accept gold coin or silver coin for payment of a debt, deposit, or other purpose unless it is specifically provided for by contract.

That is an important point for real estate. The law recognizes qualifying gold and silver coin as legal tender under Florida law, but it does not require buyers, sellers, title companies, lenders, brokers, or other parties to accept it unless a contract specifically provides for it.

What About U.S. Dollars?

The new law does not replace the use of U.S. dollars.

Florida Statute 215.986 says the law does not prohibit or limit the use of Federal Reserve notes to pay debts. It also says the law does not alter the legal tender status of United States coins or currency under federal law.

For most real estate closings, traditional U.S. dollar-based transactions are still expected to remain the standard.

Can Gold or Silver Be Transferred Electronically?

Yes, under the statute.

Florida Statute 215.986 says the law may not be construed to restrict the electronic transfer of gold coin or silver coin as tender for payment of a debt.

The statute also includes a specific rule for governmental entities. A governmental entity may tender or accept gold coin or silver coin for debts, taxes, charges, or dues only by electronic transfer, and not in physical form.

Are Financial Institutions Required to Offer Gold or Silver Services?

No.

Florida Statute 655.97 says a financial institution may not be required to offer products or services relating to gold coin or silver coin. It also says a financial institution does not incur liability for refusing to offer those products or services, except as specifically provided by contract.

Is There a Florida Sales Tax Exemption?

Florida’s sales tax statute includes an exemption related to gold coin and silver coin recognized as legal tender under Section 215.986.

Florida Statute 212.05 states that sales tax shall not be levied on any gold coin or silver coin recognized as legal tender in Florida under Section 215.986, when sold, exchanged, or traded. The statute also says the person claiming the exemption has the burden of determining whether the gold or silver coin meets the statutory definitions.

Why This Matters for Real Estate

Real estate contracts involve payment obligations, deposits, closing funds, and agreements between buyers and sellers. Because Florida has recognized qualifying gold and silver coin as legal tender for certain debts beginning July 1, 2026, the topic may come up in some real estate conversations.

The biggest factual takeaway is simple: Florida law recognizes qualifying gold and silver coin as legal tender under specific conditions, but no person or entity is required to accept it unless it is specifically provided for by contract.

For buyers and sellers, this is a new law worth understanding, but it does not automatically change how real estate closings are handled.

Sources Cited

1. Florida Statute 215.986 — Gold and silver coin as legal tender
2. Florida Senate Bill Summary for CS/CS/HB 1311 — Legal Tender
3. Florida Senate CS/CS/HB 1311 Bill Page — Legal Tender
4. Florida Statute 655.97 — Financial institution requirements related to gold and silver coin
5. Florida Statute 212.05 — Sales, storage, use tax provisions involving qualifying gold and silver coin

Important Note

This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Florida government sources. It is not legal, tax, financial, title, or contract advice. Anyone considering the use of gold or silver in a real estate transaction should speak directly with the appropriate licensed professionals, including an attorney, tax professional, lender, and title or closing agent.