TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Republicans are considering a proposal to crack down on undocumented migrants and illegal labor.

The proposal, House Bill 955, is advancing in the Florida Capitol that would require all private employers to verify a new hire’s citizenship via E-Verify. Under current law, only private employers with 25 or more employees are required to use the federal verification website.

“This closes that gap and makes sure that workforce integrity is uplifted and we are making sure that every worker in the state is authorized to do so legally,” said Clearwater Republican State Rep. Berny Jacques, the bill sponsor.

Florida would join approximately nine states that require all private employers to use E-Verify, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Another 22 require E-Verify for some private and public employers. 

Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, though, worried that a crackdown on employment in the state would worsen Florida's current economic situation.

“I just don’t think that this is the time to mess with our economic drivers in Florida,” the Tampa Democrat said. “Let’s get out of this historic market collapse first. I think we should maybe temporarily postpone this bill and maybe revisit it later.”

Florida law threatens fines against companies found in non-compliance with E-Verify requirements. According to a Florida House analysis, three violations within a 24-month period would result in a $1,000 per-day fine until the company proves compliance.

Approximately 56% of undocumented workers in Florida are employed at a business that is not required to use E-Verify under current law, according to the Center for Immigration Studies.