Florida businesses prepare for DeSantis’ crackdown on illegal immigration starting July 1.

Florida Braces for Major Labor Law Impacting Businesses and Agriculture Industry

Florida businesses and the Florida agriculture industry are preparing for the implementation of a new labor law that could have significant consequences. This law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in May, aims to address illegal immigration and make the state less attractive to noncitizens without permission to be in the country.

Some of the key changes include:

• Requiring employers with 25 or more workers to verify each new employee using the federal database E-Verify
• Invalidating out-of-state driver’s licenses obtained by illegal immigrants
• Mandating hospitals that collect Medicaid dollars to inquire about a patient’s immigration status

Additionally, under S.B. 1718 proposed by GOP state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, using a fake identification card to secure employment could result in felony charges for job applicants, while employers could face a $1,000 fine per day for not using the E-Verify system.

While supporters of the law believe it will address illegal immigration, Democratic state Rep. Dotie Joseph expressed concerns about its impact on the agriculture industry. Joseph predicts that the E-Verify mandate will lead to worker shortages, resulting in higher food prices and longer wait times at restaurants. The construction industry may also face challenges, affecting affordable housing and infrastructure.

Despite these concerns, the law will not lead to the termination of already-hired workers. However, it is estimated that around 390,000 people working in the top six industries in Florida are believed to be illegal immigrants.

Business owners have already reported employees quitting, raising concerns about the impact on industries such as tourism, agriculture, and construction. Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) highlighted the potential effects on affordable housing and infrastructure.

The law also includes stricter penalties for smuggling people within the state and allocates $22 million for the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program, which transports illegal immigrants in Florida to other states.

Protests have taken place across the state, with more planned as the law takes effect. The timing of the law’s passage and implementation is seen as a significant achievement for Gov. DeSantis, who has positioned it as the nation’s strongest crackdown on illegal immigration.

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