Florida H599: U-visa Certification Policy

What the bill says

An act relating to U-visa certification policy; creating s. 908.112, F.S.; defining terms; specifying duties of certifying officials from certifying agencies concerning certification forms in support of U-visa applications; providing a rebuttable presumption; requiring a certifying official from a certifying agency that denies a certification to provide the petitioner with specified written notice; requiring certifying agencies to grant or deny requests for certifications within specified timeframes…

From the introduced text, December 2, 2025:

A bill to be entitled An act relating to U-visa certification policy; creating s. 908.112, F.S.; defining terms; specifying duties of certifying officials from certifying agencies concerning certification forms in support of U-visa applications; providing a rebuttable presumption; requiring a certifying official from a certifying agency that denies a certification to provide the petitioner with specified written notice; requiring certifying agencies to grant or deny requests for certifications within specified timeframes; authorizing applicants to petition the circuit court if the certifying agency fails to respond within those timeframes; prohibiting certifying agencies and certifying officials from disclosing the immigration status of victims or persons seeking a certification; providing initial and annual reporting requirements; providing immunity for certifying officials; specifying duties of certifying agencies; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Section 908.112, Florida Statutes, is created to read: words underlined are additions. hb599-00 FLORIDAHOUSEOFREPRESENTATIVES HB 599 2026 908.112 U-visa certification policy.-- (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) "Certification form" means Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification as required by 8 U.S.C. s. 1184(p). (b) "Certifying agency" means a state or local law enforcement agency, a prosecutor, a judge, or any other governmental agency that has criminal, civil, administrative, investigative, or prosecutorial authority. (c) "Certifying official" means …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• López, Johanna (D, HD-043) · primary sponsor
• Woodson, Marie (D, HD-105) · primary sponsor
• Campbell, Daryl (D, HD-099)
• Chambliss, Kevin (D, HD-117)
• Eskamani, Anna (D, HD-042)
• Valdés, Susan (R, HD-064)

Latest actions

1. March 13, 2026: Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
2. January 13, 2026: 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
3. December 12, 2025: Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
4. December 12, 2025: Referred to Judiciary Committee
5. December 12, 2025: Referred to Criminal Justice Subcommittee
6. December 2, 2025: Filed

Common questions

What is H599?

H599 is a bill in the Florida Legislature (2026 Regular Session): U-visa Certification Policy.

What does H599 do?

In its own words: An act relating to U-visa certification policy; creating s. 908.112, F.S.; defining terms; specifying duties of certifying officials from certifying agencies concerning certification forms in support of U-visa applications; providing a rebuttable presumption; requiring a certifying official from a certifying agency that denies a certification to provide the petitioner with specified written notice; requiring certifying agencies to grant or deny requests for certifications within specified timeframes…

What is the status of H599?

Failed as of March 13, 2026. Latest action: Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee (March 13, 2026).

Who sponsored H599?

López, Johanna (D, HD-043), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H599?

On the Florida Legislature website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/599