TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State Representative Berny Jacques (R-District 59, Pinellas County) has introduced HB 197, a bill that would require every business in Florida, regardless of size, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employee eligibility to work in the U.S.
According to Jacques, the legislation seeks to hold employers accountable for hiring only eligible workers and to prioritize American workers over undocumented labor.
“This legislation ensures that businesses are held accountable in hiring eligible employees and not illegal aliens, which puts American workers first,” his office stated.
Currently, only businesses with 25 or more employees are required by law to use E-Verify. Under HB 197, that requirement would extend to all private employers, who must also certify compliance on their first tax return of the calendar year beginning July 1, 2026.
“HB 197 requires that all private businesses, regardless of size, use the national E-Verify system for the purpose of screening a new employee’s eligibility to work in the United States,” Jacques’ office added.
E-Verify works by comparing information submitted by an employer through an employee’s I-9 form against records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm work eligibility.
Rep. Jacques emphasized the bill’s goal of protecting American jobs.
“We have seen so many instances where businesses subvert the law to avoid investing in American workers,” Jacques said. “It is common sense that employees working for businesses in Florida be legally authorized to work in the United States. This legislation makes it clear: Florida will not be a state that allows our businesses to disregard American workers for the sake of illegal alien labor.”
Jacques, an attorney born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, moved to Florida in 1994 and now resides in Seminole. He currently serves as Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee in the Florida House of Representatives.
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