For the first time, Florida is making rules for safe use of dangerous rechargeable batteries that have become a big part of everyday life.

Experts, manufacturers, and first responders came to Florida Fire State College to help create rules to prevent and stop lithium-ion battery fires.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday that gives the State Fire Marshal new powers to help prevent fires ignited by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

The Florida Legislature passed a final version of a bill that would allow the state fire marshal to create new rules regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries, something a News 6 investigation showed is sorely needed in the state.

The Florida State Fire Marshal’s office will be able to create new rules for safely storing lithium-ion batteries under bills now headed for votes before the full Florida House and Senate.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Joe Christian said his roommates on Ronald Street were charging an e-bike in their mobile home when its lithium-ion battery exploded.

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.

After a News 6 investigation uncovered there are no state regulations for commercially storing lithium-ion batteries, News 6 reached out to every state representative and senator in Central Florida to see if new rules can be created.

They power everything – from cell phones and scooters to electric cars – but a News 6 investigation reveals there are no state regulations for safely storing lithium-ion batteries.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A sinkhole that opened last week in north Florida neighborhood expanded on Thursday, leading officials to urge residents from six nearby homes to evacuate. The sinkhole appeared to be about 50 feet wide and about 30 feet deep, said JoAnne Rice, interim chief at Gainesville Fire Rescue. Full Screen 1 / 6 The sinkhole appeared to be about 50 feet wide and about 30 feet deep, said JoAnne Rice, interim chief at Gainesville Fire Rescue. Rice told the newspaper that city officials urged the residents in six homes near the sinkhole to leave until geological experts deem the area safe. Gainesville Fire Rescue will monitor the sinkhole and decide if more evacuations are needed, Rice said.