The proposed bill, titled the "Promoting Work, Deterring Fraud Act of 2026," aims to enhance the verification process for reemployment assistance benefits in Florida. It amends section 443.101 of the Florida Statutes to revise the circumstances under which claimants may be disqualified from receiving benefits. Specifically, it introduces new requirements for claimants to actively seek work, including contacting a specified number of prospective employers and attending job interviews. The bill also mandates that the Department of Commerce adopt criteria for determining the suitability of work and outlines conditions under which work is not deemed suitable.

Additionally, the bill creates a new section, 443.1112, which requires the Department of Commerce to verify the identity of each claimant before disbursing benefits. It stipulates that the department must cross-check claim information with various databases to confirm eligibility and investigate potential fraud. The department is tasked with maintaining a web page for reporting suspected violations and must provide annual reports detailing fraudulent claims and recovery efforts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 191 Filed: 443.101