The bill establishes a new section, 908.112, in the Florida Statutes, which outlines the U-visa certification policy. It defines key terms such as "certification form," "certifying agency," "certifying official," and "qualifying criminal activity." The bill mandates that certifying officials from designated agencies must complete and sign the Form I-918 Supplement B certification for victims of qualifying criminal activities who have been helpful in investigations or prosecutions. It creates a rebuttable presumption of helpfulness for victims who have not refused to provide requested information. Additionally, the bill requires certifying agencies to grant or deny certification requests within specified timeframes and allows petitioners to seek judicial review if their requests are denied or not responded to in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits certifying agencies from disclosing the immigration status of victims and establishes reporting requirements for certifying agencies to track the number of certification requests, approvals, and denials. It provides immunity for certifying officials acting in good faith and outlines the responsibilities of certifying agencies, including training and communication with community organizations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.