Orange County leaders say the opening of a new public safety training facility is critical. With the county’s rapid growth, public safety agencies are seeing increased call volumes and more complex emergencies.

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 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.

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.

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.