House Bill 1435, titled the "Florida Economic Prosperity and Immigration Act," seeks to promote the inclusion of immigrants and refugees in Florida's economy and society by establishing the Office for New Americans within the Department of Commerce. This office will develop strategies to connect immigrant job seekers with employers and serve as a resource for immigration-related policies. The bill amends Florida Statutes to broaden the identification requirements for obtaining a driver’s license, allowing documents issued by foreign governments. It also introduces the "Driver License Privacy Act," which restricts the disclosure of personal information to immigration enforcement agencies without a lawful court order, and modifies the expiration terms for driver licenses based on the identification documents used.

Additionally, the bill enhances anti-discrimination measures by including "immigration status" as a protected category under the Florida Civil Rights Act, thereby prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It also revises employment verification requirements, particularly concerning the E-Verify system, and prohibits law enforcement from engaging in immigration enforcement activities near schools and child care facilities. The bill repeals certain statutes related to immigration enforcement and human smuggling, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive approach. Overall, HB 1435 aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations while regulating immigration enforcement practices in Florida, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1435 Filed: 20.60, 322.08, 322.12, 322.142, 322.17, 322.19, 454.021, 760.01, 760.05, 760.07, 760.08, 760.24, 760.26, 760.60, 775.0848, 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