TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A proposal advancing inside the Florida Capitol would require every private employer in the state to use E-Verify, a federal database that checks whether job applicants are authorized to work in the U.S.
What You Need To Know
Florida may soon universally require E-Verify
Florida law currently requires only private businesses with 25 or more workers to use E-Verify
E-Verify is a federal database that allows employers to verify if an applicant is authorized to work in the states
The measure, House Bill 197, cleared it’s first committee Tuesday and now has just one committee remaining before a vote on the House floor.
Supporters say expanding the requirement would strengthen the integrity of Florida’s workforce, while critics argue it would place new burdens on small businesses already struggling to hire.
“If you have any employees, you have to run them through the system that is highly efficient and has a low error rate,” said Rep. Berny Jacques, a Clearwater Republican sponsoring the bill. “It will further strengthen the workforce integrity of our state.”
Current Florida law only requires private businesses with 25 or more workers to use E-Verify. However, the proposal would extend the mandate to all companies, including those with fewer than 25 employees.
The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that nearly half a million businesses in Florida employ fewer than 20 people.
Opponents say the proposal could discourage small business growth and make hiring more difficult.
“We’re in desperate need of common-sense policies that are looking toward more solutions — not creating more burdens for businesses who are facing serious challenges and even hiring enough workers right now,” said Rep. Anna Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat.
Under the bill, companies found to have violated the E-Verify requirement three times within two years could face fines of $1,000 per day until they comply.
State law already mandates that all public agencies and their subcontractors use the system.