House Bill 1279 amends Florida law to impose stricter regulations on services and assistance provided to noncitizens, particularly in the context of financial aid and employment. The bill allows counties to require proof of lawful presence in the U.S. for borrowers seeking financial assistance and prohibits state and local entities, as well as private corporations, from offering down payment assistance to individuals who are not lawfully present. If such assistance is provided, it must be repaid immediately, with foreclosure proceedings possible for non-repayment. Additionally, eligibility for the Florida Homeownership Assistance Program and the Florida Hometown Hero Program is restricted to those who are lawfully present.

The legislation also enhances penalties for employers who violate employment laws concerning unauthorized aliens, mandating the use of the E-Verify system for all private employers starting July 1, 2025. It introduces severe penalties, including permanent license revocation for repeat offenders and fines up to $500,000 for cases involving injury or death caused by unauthorized employees. Furthermore, money services businesses are prohibited from processing foreign remittance transfers without verifying the sender's status, and all fines collected will be directed to the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund. The bill aims to ensure compliance with immigration laws and improve accountability among employers and financial service providers.

Statutes affected:
H 1279 Filed: 420.5088, 448.095