News Summary
Florida Republican Representative Berny Jacques has introduced HB 197, a bill mandating all private employers to utilize the E-Verify system for hiring. This initiative aims to enhance immigration compliance and impacts around 475,000 small businesses in the state. The bill seeks to build on previous legislative efforts and reflects a growing focus on immigration policies among Florida Republicans. As discussions continue, stakeholders examine the implications for Florida’s economy and job market.
Florida – Florida Republican Representative Berny Jacques has re-filed a bill, designated as HB 197, which mandates that all private employers in the state must utilize the E-Verify system to confirm the legal eligibility of new hires. This move aims to enhance immigration compliance and is part of a broader legislative trend focusing on immigration issues within Florida. The bill was filed on October 17, 2025, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.
The legislation builds on a previous bill, HB 955, that was passed by the House during the 2025 legislative session but did not progress in the Senate. Currently, Florida law requires the use of E-Verify only for public agencies as well as contractors and subcontractors. Under the new proposal, the threshold that exempted smaller businesses with fewer than 25 employees from using the E-Verify system would be removed. As a result, approximately 475,000 small businesses in Florida with fewer than 20 employees will be impacted.
A report by the Small Business Administration in 2025 indicated that there are less than 518,000 small businesses in Florida that employ between one and 499 individuals, excluding those without employees. Jacques has expressed optimism regarding the bill’s passage in the House again and is calling on the Senate to support the initiative.
The focus on immigration policies has intensified among Florida Republicans, becoming a prevalent topic in recent legislative discussions. Previous immigration-related efforts include measures sponsored by former Senator Blaise Ingoglia in 2023, which required businesses with at least 25 employees to utilize E-Verify and mandated Medicaid-accepting hospitals to verify the citizenship statuses of their patients.
Efforts have also been made by Senate Democrats to impose stiffer penalties for noncompliance with E-Verify regulations, spearheaded by Senator Jason Pizzo. However, those proposals have not been successful in the past. Existing laws grant the Florida Department of Commerce the authority to impose compliance fines of up to $1,000 per day for violations. For the upcoming 2026 session, Pizzo is proposing tougher penalties, which could include revoking the business licenses of employers who fail to comply with E-Verify requirements, as well as prohibiting them from obtaining public contracts.
Jacques has pointed out that using the E-Verify system incurs no cost for employers, as it requires only basic information that employers should already possess. Despite Jacques’ optimism about the bill, there is currently no Senate companion bill filed for HB 197, which could impact its progress through the legislative process.
This latest initiative to require E-Verify for all private employers reflects ongoing efforts in Florida to enact stricter immigration laws. The bill aims not only to ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations but also to protect American workers by preventing illegal employment practices. As the legislation moves through the legislative process, its implications for Florida’s economy, particularly among small businesses, and its effectiveness in regulating immigration practices, remain key points of discussion for lawmakers and stakeholders alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Florida Phoenix
- Wikipedia: E-Verify
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: E-Verify Florida
- JD Supra
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- My News 13
- Google News: Florida immigration laws
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
