Welcome to This Week in Crypto, where we break down what’s new in the digital asset world. From shifts in state policy to major Bitcoin buys and mining updates, here’s what’s making headlines to start the year:

Here’s a quick look at what’s new:

  • Florida narrows Bitcoin reserve plan: A new bill would let the state hold Bitcoin in a strategic reserve, but dials back broader crypto ambitions from earlier proposals.
  • Bitcoin mining difficulty dips to start 2026: The network’s first difficulty adjustment of the year offers miners a slight break after a tough 2025.
  • Strategy adds $1.25B in Bitcoin: The firm is back in the news with its biggest Bitcoin buy since July, reinforcing its long-term accumulation plan.

Let’s take a closer look at what it all means for the crypto space this week!

Florida Narrows Scope of Proposed Bitcoin Reserve

Florida lawmakers are pushing forward a new proposal to create a state-managed cryptocurrency reserve. This time, the plan focuses almost entirely on Bitcoin. The updated approach reduces risk by setting strict eligibility rules and steering clear of pension fund involvement.

  • Senate Bill 1038 would allow Florida’s CFO to buy and manage crypto under a new state reserve, using guidelines similar to public trust funds.
  • Only Bitcoin qualifies under the proposal’s $500B market cap requirement, effectively limiting the reserve to one asset.
  • The new plan avoids pension exposure and mirrors Bitcoin-only frameworks adopted in New Hampshire and Texas.

By narrowing the scope, lawmakers hope the reserve will gain more support in both chambers. A companion bill has been filed in the House, and if passed, reporting would begin in late 2026.

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops Slightly to Start 2026

Bitcoin mining just saw its first difficulty adjustment of the new year, marking a slight decrease after a challenging 2025. The network’s mining difficulty dropped to 146.4 trillion, giving miners a small break as they begin 2026. This change follows a year of record-high difficulty and tight profit margins across the industry.

  • The first 2026 adjustment lowered difficulty to 146.4T, down from the year-end level of 147.4T.
  • Block times are averaging under 10 minutes, meaning the next adjustment is likely to increase difficulty slightly.
  • Difficulty peaked at 155.9T in November 2025 before declining in the final weeks of the year.

The recent drop in difficulty offers brief relief after a tough year for miners. With another adjustment on the horizon, the industry remains focused on what’s ahead in 2026.

Strategy Adds $1.25B in Bitcoin, Its Biggest Purchase in Months

Strategy is making waves in Bitcoin news yet again after announcing another major acquisition. The company added 13,627 Bitcoin in a $1.25 billion purchase, marking its largest buy since July 2025. The move pushes Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings to more than 687,000 BTC.

  • The Bitcoin was purchased between Jan. 5 and Jan. 7 at an average price of $91,519 per coin.
  • The acquisition was funded through equity issuance, including sales of MSTR common stock and preferred shares.
  • Strategy now holds 687,410 BTC, acquired at a total cost of about $51.8 billion.

The purchase shows that Strategy’s Bitcoin accumulation approach remains consistent. Public companies now collectively hold over 1.1 million Bitcoin, with Strategy continuing to hold the largest share by a wide margin.

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