Dunnellon, FL Immigration Policy: E-Verify Mandates (2026)

Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, mandates that every private employer with 25 or more employees verify each new employee's work authorization through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system within three business days after the first day of work. Public employers, contractors, and subcontractors must also use E-Verify regardless of size. Employers must retain E-Verify documentation for at least three years and certify compliance on quarterly tax filings. Repeated noncompliance triggers a $1,000 per day fine and suspension of business licenses by the Department of Economic Opportunity until compliance is shown. The statute occupies the field statewide; local governments cannot waive or expand E-Verify obligations beyond what FS 448.095 prescribes.