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Toy makers now have to meet stricter standards in order to sell their products in Florida.

Investigators found high levels of lead in Mattel and Fisher-Price toys sold in the state in fall 2007. After a 16-month investigation, the companies entered into an agreement with Florida and 38 other states, promising to drastically lower lead levels. Attorney General’s Office Spokeswoman Sandi Copes said Florida’s new standards exceed national regulations.

“We’re a little bit ahead of some other federal standard. The feds are going to require them to take their standards down to 100 parts per million by the year 2011. Our agreement is effective as of November 30th of this year and it drops it to 90 parts per million. And again that’s really significant,” said Copes.

The toy companies also paid the state 600,000 dollars as part of the agreement. The money will be used to enforce the state’s toy safety regulations.