House Bill 1435, known as the "Florida Economic Prosperity and Immigration Act," seeks to enhance the integration of immigrants and refugees into Florida's economy and society. It establishes the Office for New Americans within the Department of Commerce to develop strategies for immigrant inclusion and connect employers with immigrant job seekers. The bill amends Florida Statutes to require proof of identification for driver license applicants, allowing additional documents from foreign governments. Notably, it deletes provisions that previously mandated certain documentation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and removes the requirement for private employers to use the E-Verify System. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on immigration status in education and employment, ensures certain children are admitted to schools regardless of immigration status, and restricts law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement near schools and child care facilities.

Additionally, the bill introduces the "Driver License Privacy Act," which limits the disclosure of personal information to immigration law enforcement agencies without a court order. It modifies driver license requirements, extending expiration periods for certain documents and repealing provisions that denied child care facility licenses based on children's immigration status. The bill expands the Florida Civil Rights Act to include immigration status as a protected category against discrimination and outlines penalties for non-compliance with E-Verify requirements. It also prohibits discrimination in land use decisions based on immigration status and clarifies law enforcement obligations regarding immigration enforcement, particularly near sensitive locations. Overall, HB 1435 aims to create a more inclusive environment for immigrants while establishing clear guidelines for immigration enforcement and protecting vulnerable populations.

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