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Democratic State Senator Jason Pizzo has introduced Senate Bill 782, aiming to mandate the use of the E-Verify system for all Florida employers, irrespective of their size. This proposal seeks to expand upon existing legislation, which currently requires only employers with 25 or more employees to utilize E-Verify for verifying the employment eligibility of new hires.
Senator Pizzo announced his bill on X (formerly Twitter) February 18, 2025, urging, “My bill requiring all Florida employers use E-Verify is up – encourage your State Senator to join as a co-sponsor.” Despite the Republican Party’s traditional advocacy for stringent immigration controls, no Republican legislators have co-sponsored the bill, leaving Senator Pizzo without bipartisan support.
The proposed legislation aims to address the significant portion of Florida’s economy comprising small businesses; approximately 87% of Florida companies have fewer than 20 employees. By extending the E-Verify requirement to all employers, the bill intends to close existing loopholes that may allow unauthorized workers to gain employment, thereby strengthening immigration enforcement across the state.
Critics, particularly from the Republican side, express concerns about the potential economic impact on small businesses, citing the administrative and financial burdens of implementing the E-Verify system. Senator Pizzo counters these arguments by highlighting the broader economic implications of unauthorized employment, estimating that it could cost Florida’s economy over $8 billion annually.
The enforcement of existing E-Verify laws has faced challenges. Legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023 mandated E-Verify usage for employers with 25 or more employees; however, enforcement has been criticized as insufficient, with the Department of Law Enforcement citing funding issues as a primary obstacle.
In response to these enforcement challenges, Senator Pizzo’s bill proposes stricter penalties for non-compliance, including the suspension or revocation of business licenses and fines up to $500,000 in cases where unauthorized employment results in severe consequences. This approach aims to enhance compliance and deter businesses from circumventing the law.
The political dynamics surrounding this bill are complex. While the Republican-led legislature has recently passed significant immigration measures aligning with federal deportation agendas, there remains a reluctance to impose E-Verify requirements on all businesses, possibly due to concerns about the impact on small businesses and the agricultural sector.
As the legislative session progresses, the fate of Senator Pizzo’s bill remains uncertain. Its introduction has reignited debates on immigration enforcement and the responsibilities of employers in verifying worker eligibility, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic interests and immigration control within Florida’s political landscape.
