The proposed bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to impose restrictions on services and financial assistance for individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. It empowers counties to require proof of lawful presence for borrowers seeking financial aid and prohibits both state and local entities, as well as private corporations, from providing down payment assistance to noncitizens. The bill mandates immediate repayment of any down payment assistance received by individuals found to be unlawfully present, with foreclosure proceedings initiated if repayment is not made. Additionally, it establishes penalties for employers who violate employment laws concerning unauthorized aliens, including license suspensions and fines that will be directed to a designated trust fund.

Moreover, the bill revises eligibility criteria for the Florida Homeownership Assistance Program and the Florida Hometown Hero Program, limiting participation to those lawfully present in the U.S. It requires all private employers to utilize the E-Verify system for employment eligibility verification, regardless of employee count, and introduces stricter penalties for repeated violations, including potential permanent license revocation and significant fines. The legislation also sets new compliance and auditing requirements for licensees conducting foreign remittance transfers, mandating verification of sender status and maintaining records for five years, with penalties for non-compliance. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1498 Filed: 125.0167, 420.5088, 448.095