The proposed bill, titled the "Promoting Work, Deterring Fraud Act of 2025," aims to enhance the verification process for reemployment assistance benefits in Florida. It amends section 443.101 of the Florida Statutes to revise the circumstances under which claimants may be disqualified from receiving benefits. Notably, it introduces new requirements for the Department of Commerce to verify the identities of claimants before disbursing benefits and mandates cross-checking of claim information with federal databases to prevent fraud. The bill also specifies that claimants must contact a required number of prospective employers weekly and outlines additional criteria for determining suitable work.

Furthermore, the bill establishes section 443.1112, which details the responsibilities of the Department of Commerce in investigating claims and detecting fraudulent activities. This includes scrutinizing claims associated with certain identifiers, maintaining a web page for reporting suspected fraud, and providing annual reports on fraudulent claims and recovery efforts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to improve the integrity of the reemployment assistance program while ensuring that eligible individuals receive the support they need.

Statutes affected:
H 1157 Filed: 443.101, 445.011
H 1157 c1: 443.101
H 1157 c2: 443.101