TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – New legislation has been introduced that would give the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office the power to create new rules and guidelines for safely storing lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries power many electronic devices that make life convenient and fun, including cellular phones, computers, scooters and e-bikes, as well as some automobiles.
A News 6 investigation last September exposed there were no state regulations for safely storing or charging the batteries, increasing the risk of fire.
“It scares the daylights out of me,” State Fire Marshal Director JoAnne Rice told News 6 in September. “It is a fire that burns hotter and faster than any fire we’ve ever seen, and we don’t have the tools.”
Watch News 6′s investigation into lithium-ion battery rules
In late December, bills were introduced in the Florida House (HB989) and Senate (SB1098) that would give the State Fire Marshal the ability to draft new rules to help prevent those fires from happening.
The proposals are part of the annual bill outlining the responsibilities of the Department of Financial Services, which is managed by Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.
“Lithium-ion batteries aren’t going away. They’re the norm,” Patronis told News 6.
He said if this measure is approved, his office would write new regulations that would codify proper storage and charging of these batteries, as well as safety measures and tools for firefighters who engage with these fires.
Find more reports from our News 6 Investigators on YouTube:
“Safe storage, best practices, managing disasters when it comes to recycling,” he said.
Patronis said approval of the measure would be followed by public comment, where he expects lithium-ion battery manufacturers to weigh in on proper handling.
Patronis credited News 6′s investigation with bringing these issue to the forefront.
“I can’t tell you how many things that you all put a spotlight on -- we get interested in something, but when you turn up the volume on it, it creates a whole new sense of urgency,” he said. “You are an amazing partner when it comes to developing policy, but more importantly, getting that policy executed and becoming what we need to be addressing. Whether it be cancer coverage, PTSD for our first responders, you all have been an amazing, amazing partner through all this.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: