Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo filed legislation on Sunday that would require all employers in the state to verify the employment eligibility of new hires through the federal E-Verify system, expanding current mandates that apply only to larger businesses.

Under the proposed legislation (SB 782), all private employers, public agencies, and government contractors would be required to use E-Verify, removing the existing threshold that applies only to businesses with 25 or more employees.

“Florida Republicans have insisted that we are in an immigration crisis. We are,” said Pizzo. “However, declaring a state of emergency, passing a few messaging bills, creating transport programs, and blowing millions of taxpayer dollars do not make us the ‘toughest in the nation’ on illegal immigration. Alas, we find ourselves at the end of a third ‘special session’ in three weeks because we just can’t seem to get it right.”

The Senator further added that “if we want to be serious about serious issues, then we must acknowledge the root causes of illegal immigration. The lead incentive driving illegal immigration is the opportunity of employment, and the unscrupulous businesses that enable it to continue.”

For a first-time violation, businesses would be subject to a one-year suspension of all licenses issued under Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes and a fine of up to $10,000. A second violation would result in a five-year license suspension and a maximum fine of $50,000. A third offense would lead to permanent license revocation and fines of up to $250,000.

Additional penalties would be imposed if an unauthorized employee causes harm while on the job. If an unauthorized worker injures another person, the employer faces a five-year suspension of business licenses and a fine of up to $100,000. If the worker’s actions result in death, the employer would permanently lose all business licenses and be fined up to $500,000.

The bill also expands the authority of the Office of Economic Accountability and Transparency within the Department of Commerce to oversee E-Verify compliance and employment authorization enforcement. Employers failing to use E-Verify three times within a 24-month period would face fines of $1,000 per day until compliance is demonstrated. Additionally, the bill prohibits public agencies from contracting with businesses found in violation of employment verification laws. If a public contract is terminated due to noncompliance, the business would be barred from future state contracts.

Law enforcement agencies would also gain expanded authority under the bill, allowing them to use E-Verify to investigate the immigration status of detained individuals.

If enacted, SB 782 would take effect on July 1, 2025.