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 provide guidance on immigration-related policies. The bill also amends Florida Statutes to require proof of identification for driver license applicants, allowing additional documents from foreign governments. Key changes include prohibiting the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from sharing certain information with immigration enforcement agencies, repealing provisions on collecting patient immigration status data, and removing the requirement for private employers to use the E-Verify system.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Driver License Privacy Act, which restricts the disclosure of personal information to immigration enforcement agencies without a court order. It enhances protections against discrimination based on immigration status, ensuring children can access education regardless of their immigration status and prohibiting discrimination in employment and housing. The bill also modifies the requirements for out-of-state fee waivers for undocumented students and mandates local law enforcement to refrain from immigration enforcement activities near schools and childcare facilities. Overall, the legislation aims to balance immigration enforcement with the protection of individual rights and civil liberties while enhancing funding for services related to victims of sexual assault through adjustments to the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund.

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