Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed two laws introducing new measures for immigrants and foreign nationals in the state.
Key Changes
- Florida Senate Bill 1718
- Increased E-Verify Requirements: From July 1, 2023, companies that employ 25 people or more must use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires within 3 days of hire. If E-Verify is unavailable, employers can complete Form I-9 for the employee.
- Driver’s License Restrictions: Florida will not recognize the driver’s licenses of undocumented foreign nationals from other US states.
- Increased Reporting: Florida’s healthcare systems will be required to collect and share the immigration status of patients in their care.
Companies that are found to not be in compliance with the new E-Verify requirement may face fines and suspensions of their state-issued licenses.
- Florida Senate Bill 264
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- Ownership Restrictions: Certain nationals from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela will be prohibited under the new law from agricultural land ownership exceeding 5% within the state. Additionally, nationals of these countries of concern may not have an ownership interest in real property within 10 miles of a military or infrastructure facility.
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Erickson Insights
On Monday, May 22, the American Civil Liberties Union announced it is suing Florida over SB 264. It is expected that these new laws may still be met with more legal challenges. Still, companies that do not currently use E-Verify or retain employment eligibility documents should plan to do so before the law takes effect on July 1 if it does proceed.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney. (Updated May 24, 2023)