By The News Service of Florida
A proposal that would require all Florida private employers to use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of new workers is ready to go to the full House after the 2026 legislative session starts.
The Republican-controlled House Commerce Committee on Thursday voted 16-5 along party lines to approve an E-Verify expansion bill (HB 197), filed by Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, and Rep. Kiyan Michael, R-Jacksonville. It also was approved last month by the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee and is now positioned procedurally to go to the full House.
Under current law, all public employers and private employers with 25 or more workers are required to use E-Verify. The bill would expand that to smaller private employers.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said Thursday she was concerned the requirement would be “overly burdensome on our small businesses.”
But supporters of the bill pushed back against such arguments. “It’s a four- or five-minute process to make sure we are in compliance,” said Rep. Brad Yeager, a New Port Richey Republican who said he is a small-business owner. The House passed a similar bill during the 2025 session, but the measure did not get Senate approval. The 2026 session will start Jan. 13.
Using independent contractors to circumvent the rule is not the move. Or is it? Are you suggesting that hiring of illegals is the goal?? That couldn't be...when republicans in FL support all the deportations, right? LOL. The small business owners definitely want the illegals here, don't they? So why all the double speak? Why not just tell the truth? You want to exploit illegals by giving low wages and no workplace protections. In the same breath, you want them living on edge. Never safe and secure. Vulnerable and cornered so you can further exploit them for low/no wages and long hours. I hate it here.
Curtis, this is from the article above your inattentive comment:
"Under current law, all public employers and private employers with 25 or more workers are required to use E-Verify. The bill would expand that to smaller private employers."
David, a contractor isn't an employee so you'd likely be in the clear.
I thought e-verify was a voluntary system. How can the legislature compel a private business to use it?
What if I hire an "Independent Contractor" to do a Job for my Company?