Florida Lawmakers Introduce New Immigration Bills for 2026 Session

A series of immigration-related bills are being proposed ahead of Florida’s 2026 legislative session, aiming to tighten enforcement and increase transparency in specific scenarios.

Key Proposed Bills:

1. Senate Bill 86 – ‘Commercial Motor Vehicles Operated by Unauthorized Aliens’

Triggered by a Fort Pierce tragedy, where an undocumented truck driver made an illegal U-turn, killing three people.
Would require law enforcement to take undocumented commercial drivers into ICE custody.
The truck would be impounded, the owner fined $50,000, and the associated motor carrier barred from operating until compliance.

2. House Bill 485 – ‘Shawnya’s Law: Injunctions for Domestic Violence Based on Marriage Fraud’

Targets cases where foreign nationals engage in marriage fraud to gain U.S. benefits.
Allows victims to petition for domestic violence injunctions.
Courts would notify the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, and the board must meet with the petitioner within a set timeframe.

3. Senate Bill 316 – Law Enforcement Identification and Face Coverings (“VISIBLE Act”)

Proposed in response to recent ICE raids.
Requires law enforcement officers and immigration officers to display identification clearly and prohibits face coverings that obscure ID while performing duties.

4. Senate Bill 708 – State Immigration Enforcement Database

Mandates creation of a publicly searchable database of immigration enforcement actions.
Law enforcement and private correctional contractors must submit details of immigration-related detentions or arrests within a specified timeframe.
Aims to improve accountability and transparency.

The 2026 Florida Legislative Session will run from January 13 to March 13. These bills reflect a mix of stricter enforcement measures and transparency-focused proposals, with some targeting commercial driving, marriage fraud, or law enforcement practices.

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