Florida Expands E-Verify Requirement To Private Employers
Effective July 1, 2023 the State of Florida SB 1718 will require private employers of 25 employees or more to E-verify all employees. This new state law signed by Governor DeSantis, compels employers to submit the information provided on employment documents be sent to the federal E-verify system for comparison against data in the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems in order to determine the eligibility of their employees. This changes the current regulation applicable under the Federal I-9 rules, which require employers to examine the employment eligibility documents for unexpired status and authenticity (original document, not a copy), and to attest to the examination of the documents.
Does E-Verify Help Employers?
Good intentions, like a law prohibiting spitting gum on the sidewalk, may seem like a good idea. Though the reality is often more obscure. Legislation like this can be difficult to enforce, have unintended consequences, and the outcomes may cause more harm than good. The state will need to allocate tax payer funds for enforcement. For some, just quantifying the number of employees an employer has from day to day can be challenging.
Small businesses lament that they are over-regulated and under-appreciated for the vast number of jobs they cumulatively provide. Many employers find it difficult to fill jobs lately, especially those employing unskilled labor, and now there is worry of losing workers impacted by E-Verify. Concerns of where the replacement employees will come from resonate among agriculture, restaurant, and construction industry representatives.
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Can Help Small Business Stay In Compliance
Small businesses may find themselves in a sticky situation. With employer regulations, more responsibilities equal more potential liabilities. They wonder if they need to hire a new human resources manager. They worry who will pick the summer corn and tomatoes.
Many small businesses using the services of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) are relying on the advice and support of an industry accustomed to assisting small businesses with compliance. A PEO acts as a co-employer, giving employers peace of mind when it comes to complying with new regulations.
For Help With E-Verify, Call Sam Bond Benefit Group Today
Samantha Bond Richman has been providing independent advice to small business owners for over thirty years. Using a proven method of needs analysis, Sam Bond Benefit Group helps source the best qualified providers of PEO services. Call (877) 426-6320 to learn more or contact us on our website.
