Florida: Immigration Updates
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APPLIES TO Employers with Employees in FL |
EFFECTIVE As Indicated |
QUESTIONS? Contact HR On-Call |
Quick Look
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Discussion:
On February 13, 2025, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law SB 2-C and SB 4-C, which address a variety of immigration-related matters, including in-state tuition benefits, criminal penalties, and law enforcement structure and funding.
Effective immediately, SB 2-C and SB 4-C provide for several new criminal penalties, including a provision in SB 4-C requiring courts to impose the death penalty for any undocumented immigrant “who is convicted or adjudicated guilty of a capital felony” — such as first-degree murder — in Florida. This provision is expected to be challenged in court.
SB 4-C also makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for undocumented immigrants who are 18 years of age or older to “knowingly” enter or attempt to enter Florida. SB 2-C and SB 4-C enhance the penalties of all misdemeanor crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Under SB 2-C, undocumented immigrants who vote or aid noncitizens in voting can be charged with a third-degree felony.
The new laws also create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which will coordinate with and assist the federal government and state law enforcement agencies in enforcing “federal immigration laws and other matters related to the enforcement of federal immigration laws.” The laws also allocate a considerable amount of money for state law enforcement agencies to carry out the state’s immigration objectives.
While unrelated to labor and employment, SB 2-C also provides that undocumented immigrants living in Florida will no longer be eligible for the in-state tuition rate at Florida’s public colleges and universities. Starting on July 1, 2025, students will be reevaluated for tuition eligibility.
Action Items
- Review employee work authorizations and consult with legal counsel regarding any discrepancies or concerns.
Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser. © 2025 ManagEase