This bill amends various sections of Florida law to enhance the enforcement of immigration-related employment regulations. It revises the duties of the Office of Economic Accountability and Transparency within the Department of Commerce to include the administration and enforcement of the E-Verify system and employment authorization compliance. The bill increases penalties for employers who violate provisions related to employing unauthorized aliens, including the suspension or revocation of licenses and the imposition of significant fines, which must be deposited into the Florida Highway Patrol Safety Operating Trust Fund. Notably, it establishes a tiered penalty system based on the number of violations and the consequences of employing unauthorized aliens, with fines reaching up to $500,000 in cases resulting in death.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all private employers, regardless of size, must use the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of new hires, effective July 1, 2025. It also prohibits public agencies from awarding future contracts to contractors who have violated employment eligibility laws. Law enforcement agencies are authorized to use the E-Verify system to investigate the immigration status of detained individuals. The bill aims to strengthen compliance and enforcement mechanisms surrounding employment eligibility verification while ensuring that penalties for violations are more stringent and impactful.

Statutes affected:
S 782 Filed: 20.60