Florida E-Verify Mandate for Private Employers Statewide

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.

Employers who fail to use E-Verify face a one-year cure period on first violation, then $1,000 per day fines and license suspension until compliance is established under FS 448.095(5).