Florida legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Florida S1278: Employment Eligibility
Status: Failed, March 13, 2026
Requiring that all private employers, rather than only those employing more than a specified number of employees, use the E-Verify system to verify a new employee's employment eligibility beginning on a specified date, etc.
What the bill says
An act relating to employment eligibility; amending s. 448.095, F.S.; requiring that all private employers, rather than only those employing more than a specified number of employees, use the E-Verify system to verify a new employeeâs employment eligibility beginning on a specified date; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
From the introduced text, January 6, 2026:
A bill to be entitled An act relating to employment eligibility; amending s. 448.095, F.S.; requiring that all private employers, rather than only those employing more than a specified number of employees, use the E-Verify system to verify a new employeeâs employment eligibility beginning on a specified date; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1.âParagraph (b) of subsection (2) of section 448.095, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 448.095âEmployment eligibility.â (2)âEMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION.â (b)1.âA public agency shall use the E-Verify system to verify a new employeeâs employment eligibility as required under paragraph (a). 2.âBeginning on July 1, 2026 [DELETED: 2023] , a private employer [DELETED: with] [DELETED: 25 or more employees] shall use the E-Verify system to verify a new employeeâs employment eligibility as required under paragraph (a). 3.âEach employer [DELETED: required to use the E-Verify system under] [DELETED: this paragraph] must certify on its first return each calendar year to the tax service provider that it is in compliance with this section when making contributions to or reimbursing the stateâs unemployment compensation or reemployment assistance system. [DELETED: An employer that voluntarily uses the E-Verify system] [DELETED: may also make such a certification on its first return each] [DELETED: calendar year in order …
Sponsors
- Martin, Jonathan (R, SD-033) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Died in Commerce and Tourism
- : Introduced
- : Referred to Commerce and Tourism; Appropriations; Rules
- : Filed
Subjects: Commerce and Tourism, Rules, Appropriations
Common questions
- What is S1278?
- S1278 is a bill in the Florida Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Employment Eligibility.
- What does S1278 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to employment eligibility; amending s. 448.095, F.S.; requiring that all private employers, rather than only those employing more than a specified number of employees, use the E-Verify system to verify a new employeeâs employment eligibility beginning on a specified date; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
- What is the status of S1278?
- Failed as of March 13, 2026. Latest action: Died in Commerce and Tourism (March 13, 2026).
- Who sponsored S1278?
- Martin, Jonathan (R, SD-033).
- Where is the official record for S1278?
- On the Florida Legislature website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1278
Source: official Florida record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.