The "Florida Economic Prosperity and Immigration Act," also known as House Bill 315, seeks to enhance the integration of immigrants and refugees into Florida's economy while amending various immigration-related statutes. The bill establishes the Office for New Americans within the Department of Commerce to promote immigrant inclusion and address workforce needs. It modifies driver license requirements by accepting additional foreign documents for identity verification and removes previous mandates for documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on immigration status in education and employment, removes certain E-Verify requirements for employers, and restricts law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement near schools and childcare facilities.

Additionally, HB 315 expands protections against discrimination by including "immigration status" in the Florida Civil Rights Act and prohibits discrimination in housing and land use decisions based on this status. It creates the State Board of Immigration Enforcement and the State Immigration Enforcement Council to oversee immigration enforcement and mandates that law enforcement agencies report compliance with new regulations regarding immigration enforcement activities. The bill also addresses the rights of children in education, ensuring they cannot be denied access based on immigration status, and introduces provisions for out-of-state fee waivers for eligible students attending Florida schools. Overall, the bill aims to create a more inclusive environment for immigrants while ensuring their rights and access to services are protected.

Statutes affected:
H 315 Filed: 20.60, 322.08, 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, 943.1718, 1002.31, 1003.21, 1009.40, 435.04, 480.041, 480.043, 501.9741, 775.30, 794.056, 921.0022, 938.085