This bill seeks to amend and repeal various sections of Florida law concerning the Department of Commerce and the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. It repeals sections 290.0401 through 290.048, which are related to the program, and amends section 253.025 to create exemptions for specific land conveyances to federal agencies, ensuring that these lands revert to the Board of Trustees if not utilized for their intended military purposes. Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "rural community" in section 288.0656 and designates the Department of Commerce as the state agency responsible for administering federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the program.

Moreover, the bill introduces significant changes to section 448.095 regarding employment eligibility verification. It requires employers to use the E-Verify system to confirm new employees' eligibility, mandates documentation of E-Verify results, and establishes penalties for noncompliance, including fines and potential license suspensions. The Department of Commerce is responsible for notifying employers of noncompliance and providing a process for remediation, including the option to request a hearing. The bill also clarifies the definition of "knowingly employs" and outlines consequences for employing unauthorized aliens, while ensuring that enforcement actions are conducted without regard to race, color, or national origin. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with provisions for the expiration of certain sections if the E-Verify system is discontinued by the federal government.

Statutes affected:
S 998 Filed: 290.0401, 290.0411, 290.042, 290.043, 290.0455, 290.046, 290.047, 290.0475, 290.048, 253.025, 288.0656, 290.044, 448.09