Update Applicable to:	Effective Date
All Employers in Florida	SB 4-C: Immediately   SB 2-C: July 1, 2025

What happened?

On February 13, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law two significant immigration enforcement bills aimed at aligning state policies with federal immigration guidelines. These laws introduce stringent measures to enhance immigration enforcement across Florida.

Overview:

Key Aspects of the New Laws

1. Creation of New State Crimes and Penalties: The laws establish new state-level immigration-related crimes and enhance penalties for existing ones. Unauthorized entry into Florida by adults is now a first-degree misdemeanor, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders, including mandatory imprisonment terms.

2. Funding for Enforcement: Nearly $300 million is allocated to hire, train, and equip over 50 law enforcement officers dedicated to immigration enforcement.

3. State Board of Immigration Enforcement: A new Florida Department of Law Enforcement board is established to oversee immigration enforcement efforts. This board, comprised of the governor, the agriculture commissioner, and two other officials, requires unanimous decisions for all actions.

4. Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles prohibits issuing driver’s licenses or ID cards to undocumented individuals.

5. In-State Tuition for Dreamers: The laws revoke in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students, often referred to as “Dreamers.” Starting July 1, 2025, students will be reevaluated for tuition eligibility.

6. Felony for Voting: Unauthorized aliens who vote in an election are guilty of a felony.

7. Dangerous Unauthorized Alien Offenders: State attorneys must seek court sentences for certain individuals as dangerous unauthorized alien offenders.

8. Unauthorized Alien Transport Program: Established within the Division of Emergency Management to manage the transport of unauthorized aliens.

Additional Information:

• Enforcement Agreements:
  • Governor DeSantis signed agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and various Florida agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida State Guard.
  • These 287(g) agreements grant these agencies increased authority to enforce immigration policies and laws at the local and state levels.

• Impact on Businesses: These measures reflect Florida’s commitment to rigorous immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities.
  
  • For employers of all sizes, these laws mean stricter compliance requirements regarding the employment and documentation of workers.
  • Businesses must ensure that all employees are authorized to work in the United States to avoid severe penalties.

Source References

• FL SB 4-C: Immigration
• FL SB 2-C – Immigration 

Resources

• ICE 287(g) agreements

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