The state is hoping to cut down on dangerous fires sparked by exploding lithium-ion batteries that burn hotter and longer.
MORE: Up in Flames: What you should know about the rise of lithium-ion battery fires
The batteries are used in many electronic devices -- from cellphones to scooters to cars. When one of them explodes, it can start with smoke and then lead to fires that can spread quickly.
There is a chance the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office will be able to create new rules for safely storing these batteries.
Last September, an investigation by News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando, found that there are no state regulations for safely storing or even charging lithium-ion batteries. The risk of fires increases if the batteries are not handled properly.
Now, two bills that could change that are headed to the full House and Senate for votes.
They would give the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office rights to create rules for lithium-ion batteries.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who serves as the state fire marshal, supports the proposed bills. Right now there is no timetable for when the House and Senate might vote on the bills.
Patronis would also like to see safety measures, along with tools for firefighters in case they have to deal with fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries.
One such fire sparked by a battery in a golf cart destroyed a home in E-Town last June. The cart was parked in the garage.
A father and his two sons were home when the fire started, but thankfully, no one was hurt.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded more than 25,000 cases of fires over the last 10 years, involving 400 kinds of devices.
Some things to remember when it comes to handling these batteries include:
- Only use charging equipment that comes with that specific product
- Do not charge the batteries overnight
- Watch for warning signs -- like the battery is unexpectedly warm -- or you hear cracking sounds
- Do NOT throw them in the trash
- Take them to a recycling center when they are no longer needed