The Florida Economic Prosperity and Immigration Act seeks to improve the integration of immigrants and refugees into Florida's economy and society by establishing the Office for New Americans within the Department of Commerce. This office will develop strategies to promote immigrant inclusion, connect employers with immigrant job seekers, and serve as a resource for immigration-related policies. The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to require proof of identification for driver license applicants, allowing additional documents from foreign governments. It also prohibits the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from disclosing certain information to immigration enforcement agencies and repeals provisions related to the collection of patient immigration status data and sanctuary policies. Furthermore, it ensures that individuals cannot be denied services or employment based on their immigration status and mandates that law enforcement agencies refrain from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement near schools and childcare facilities.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Driver License Privacy Act, which restricts the disclosure of personal information to immigration enforcement agencies unless a lawful court order is presented. It modifies employment verification requirements, particularly regarding the E-Verify system, and expands protections against discrimination based on immigration status in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill also creates a new section that prohibits discrimination against individuals holding driver licenses that do not comply with the REAL ID Act and reclassifies penalties for felonies related to unlawful reentry into the U.S. Moreover, it limits immigration enforcement activities near schools and childcare facilities, enhances access to education and financial aid for students regardless of immigration status, and updates the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund to ensure dedicated funding for services for victims of sexual assault. The proposed changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1668 Filed: 20.60, 322.08, 322.12, 322.142, 322.17, 322.19, 395.3027, 454.021, 760.01, 760.05, 760.07, 760.08, 760.24, 760.26, 760.60, 787.07, 908.102, 908.104, 908.11, 1002.31, 1003.21, 1009.40, 435.04, 480.041, 480.043, 775.30, 794.056, 921.0022, 938.085