Proposed state legislation, HB 955, seeks to require all private employers in Florida to use E-Verify, a federal web-based system, to electronically confirm new hires’ employment eligibility by comparing their Form I-9s with federal records.
In 2023, the state began requiring employers with more than 25 employees to use E-Verify. Now, almost two years later, Rep. Berny Jacques, R-59, has proposed a bill requiring all private employers within the state to use E-Verify regardless of how many employees a company has.
The reason for the bill, according to Jacques, is “to ensure that Florida jobs go to American workers and not to those who violate our immigration and labor laws.”
“By mandating compliance across the board, this legislation holds businesses accountable and prevents bad actors from undercutting American workers with illegal labor,” Jacques wrote. “Employers must certify their compliance when filing annual tax returns, reinforcing transparency and integrity in our workforce.”
The House’s Commerce Committee has reviewed the bill and added it to the second reading calendar, which includes a list of bills that have passed the committee and are ready for floor debate and consideration.
To invoke the latter, Speaker of the House Daniel Perez must select the bill from the second reading calendar, opening it up for debate before it can be voted on.
After that, if HB 955 is enacted, it will go into effect on July 1.
Bill Would Require Small Florida Businesses to Use E-Verify System
The state already requires employers with more than 25 workers to use E-Verify, a federal web-based system, to electronically confirm new hires’ employment eligibility status. A new bill would expand that to include those with fewer than 25 workers as well.
