Florida Bill 1718, also known as the “Combating Illegal Immigration Act of 2023,” was signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on May 10, 2023. The bill makes a number of changes to Florida’s immigration laws, including:
- Requiring employers with 25 or more employees to use E-Verify to verify the immigration status of their employees.
- Prohibiting counties and municipalities from providing funds to any entity that issues identification documents to individuals who do not have lawful presence in the United States.
- Specifying that driver’s licenses and permits issued by other states exclusively to unauthorized immigrants are not valid in Florida.
- Requiring hospitals to collect information on the immigration status of patients who are admitted to the hospital or who seek emergency medical services.
- Authorizing the Department of Economic Opportunity to suspend or revoke economic development incentives if an employer is found to have knowingly employed an unauthorized alien.
- Enhancing penalties for human smuggling.
The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Some people support the bill, arguing that it is necessary to crack down on illegal immigration. Others oppose the bill, arguing that it is discriminatory and will harm undocumented immigrants who are already living in Florida.
The bill is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2023.
How will Florida Bill 1718 affect roofing contractors?
Florida Bill 1718 is likely to have a significant impact on roofing contractors in Florida. The bill’s requirement that employers with 25 or more employees use E-Verify to verify the immigration status of their employees could make it more difficult for roofing contractors to find and hire workers. This is because a significant number of roofing workers in Florida are undocumented immigrants.
The bill could also lead to increased costs for roofing contractors. This is because they will need to pay for the cost of using E-Verify and for the cost of training their employees on how to use the system.
In addition, the bill could lead to a decrease in the number of roofing jobs available in Florida. This is because some roofing contractors may decide to leave the state rather than comply with the bill’s requirements.
The overall impact of Florida Bill 1718 on roofing contractors is likely to be negative. The bill could make it more difficult for roofing contractors to find and hire workers, increase their costs, and lead to a decrease in the number of roofing jobs available in Florida.
What processes can a roofer implement to make sure they are not violating the provisions of the bill?
Here are some processes that a roofer can implement to make sure they are not violating the provisions of Florida Bill 1718:
- Use E-Verify. E-Verify is a free online system that allows employers to verify the immigration status of their employees. Roofers with 25 or more employees are required to use E-Verify by July 1, 2023.
- Keep records. Roofers are required to keep records of their employees’ immigration status for at least three years. These records should include the employee’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the results of the E-Verify check.
- Train employees. Roofers should train their employees on the provisions of Florida Bill 1718. This training should include information on the importance of verifying the immigration status of employees and the penalties for violating the law.
- Get legal advice. If you have any questions about Florida Bill 1718, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the law and make sure that you are in compliance.
Here are some additional tips for roofing contractors:
- Be careful about making assumptions about an employee’s immigration status. It is illegal to discriminate against an employee based on their immigration status.
- Be aware of the signs of fraudulent documentation. There are a number of signs that can indicate that an employee’s documentation is fraudulent. If you are unsure about the validity of an employee’s documentation, you should consult with an attorney.
- Be prepared to cooperate with government audits. The government may audit roofing contractors to ensure that they are in compliance with Florida Bill 1718. If you are audited, you should cooperate fully with the government.
By following these tips, roofing contractors can help ensure that they are in compliance with Florida Bill 1718.
If you are a roofing contractor who has any questions about Florida Bill 1718, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Want to read up on the bill or see it in its entirety? Check it out here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1718
