FL H1279

Prohibits state and local governmental entities and private corporations (including nonprofits) from providing down payment assistance to persons not lawfully present in the United States, and requires immediate repayment and foreclosure proceedings if a violation is discovered; violators are permanently barred from future assistance regardless of subsequent immigration status changes.

Restricts eligibility for the Florida Homeownership Assistance Program and the Florida Hometown Hero Program (which provides $10,000–$35,000 in zero-interest down payment/closing cost loans) to persons lawfully present in the United States.

Expands E-Verify requirements beginning July 1, 2025, to all private employers (removing the previous threshold of 25 or more employees) and increases penalties for knowingly employing unauthorized aliens, including fines up to $10,000 for a first offense, $100,000 for a second offense, $250,000 for a third offense with permanent license revocation, and up to $500,000 if an unauthorized alien employee's actions result in a death; fines are deposited into the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.

Prohibits money services business licensees from initiating foreign remittance transfers unless they verify the sender is not an unauthorized alien, imposing a penalty of 25% of each transfer amount made in violation, with penalties deposited into the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund; the Office of Financial Regulation must conduct random quarterly audits of licensees beginning July 1, 2026.

Provides a private cause of action for persons injured, or next of kin of persons killed, by the actions of an unauthorized alien employee against the employer found in violation of the employment provisions; effective date is July 1, 2025.