FL H0017

Creates state criminal offenses for adult aliens who knowingly enter or attempt to enter Florida after illegally entering the U.S., with a first offense classified as a first-degree misdemeanor carrying a minimum 9-month sentence, a second offense as a third-degree felony with a minimum 1-year-and-1-day sentence, and third or subsequent offenses as a third-degree felony with a minimum 2-year sentence; imprisonment may be waived if the alien agrees in writing to voluntarily leave the U.S.

Establishes a separate state crime for illegal reentry by adult aliens previously denied admission, deported, or removed, punishable as a third-degree felony with a minimum 1-year-and-1-day sentence, enhanced to a second-degree felony with a minimum 5-year sentence if the alien has a prior aggravated or violent felony conviction.

Creates a civil cause of action allowing victims of any crime committed by an alien who illegally entered the U.S. and then entered Florida to sue any person who knowingly and willfully aided the alien's entry into the state, with recovery of economic damages, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and costs.

Grants the state, its agencies, subdivisions, and their officers, employees, and contractors immunity from state-law liability for actions taken to enforce the new immigration provisions, and requires the state to indemnify those individuals for federal-law liability and criminal defense attorney fees, with representation by the Attorney General.

Makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly and willfully aid or assist an alien who illegally entered or reentered the U.S. in entering Florida, and requires arresting agencies to notify ICE and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with biometric information at the time of any arrest under these provisions.