CS/HB 7089 Summary

• Creates Chapter 820, Florida Statutes ("Immigration Enforcement") to establish state authority to enforce federal immigration laws and prohibits state and local entities from restricting such enforcement; violations subject to civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per day.

• Requires all private employers with 100+ employees by July 1, 2012 and all employers by July 1, 2013 to use the federal E-Verify system to verify employment eligibility of newly hired employees; non-compliance results in license suspension.

• Makes it illegal for employers to knowingly employ unauthorized aliens; requires public employers and contractors on public contracts to use E-Verify system; violations result in license suspension, contract termination, and 1-year contract ineligibility.

• Establishes that unlawfully present aliens commit a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 20 days jail for first offense, 30 days for subsequent offenses, plus $100 fine); requires law enforcement to attempt immigration status determination for arrested or investigated persons and report findings to federal immigration authorities.

• Enhances criminal penalties by one felony/misdemeanor level when offenses are committed by unlawfully present aliens; allows law enforcement warrantless arrests for suspected illegal presence; prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in enforcement.