House Bill 1307 introduces significant restrictions on the rights and benefits available to unauthorized aliens in Florida. The bill prohibits the Department of Financial Services from issuing licenses or certifications to unauthorized aliens and requires counties to verify lawful presence in the U.S. for borrowers seeking financial assistance. It also allows the Division of Risk Management to deny claims related to unauthorized aliens and mandates repayment of any down payment assistance received by them, with potential foreclosure proceedings. Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to ensure that all licensing procedures and testing are conducted exclusively in English, with no accommodations for other languages, and establishes penalties for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized aliens, making them financially responsible for any injuries sustained by these individuals.

Moreover, the bill creates the Florida Hometown Hero Program to assist eligible residents in purchasing homes, specifying that borrowers must be lawfully present in the U.S. and have household incomes not exceeding 150% of the state or local median income. It also clarifies the definition of "employee" in the context of workers' compensation, including only those authorized for employment under federal law. The legislation establishes a presumption of fault against unauthorized out-of-state drivers involved in accidents and mandates that employers verify work eligibility through the E-Verify system. New regulations also prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from accepting certain forms of identification issued to unauthorized aliens for account services, and the bill will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 1307 Filed: 125.0167, 420.5088, 440.02, 440.10, 448.095, 560.310