TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers have filed a slate of payments for the 2026 session addressing employment verification, autism consciousness in policing, regulation of rising tobacco merchandise, and flag show guidelines for presidency buildings, every concentrating on a definite space of state legislation and public coverage.
Employment verification growth
What it does: HB 197 would broaden Florida’s use of the federal E-Confirm system, requiring all non-public employers, no matter dimension to confirm new staff’ work eligibility.
- Strengthens compliance with federal immigration and labor legal guidelines.
- Establishes penalties for employers who fail to make use of the system.
- Goals to make sure that jobs go to legally approved staff.
Sponsor: This invoice has been filed by Republican Reps. Berny Jacques and Kiyan Michael. A Senate associated model has but to be filed.
If handed, it would take impact July 1, 2026.
Legislation Enforcement interactions with People with autism
What it does: HB 365 would create a “Blue Envelope Program” to assist people with autism spectrum dysfunction talk extra successfully with legislation enforcement throughout site visitors stops.
- Permits people with autism to request particular blue envelopes to carry licenses and registration.
- Requires coaching for legislation enforcement on interacting with folks with autism.
- The envelope exterior would establish the motive force’s situation and embrace communication ideas for officers.
Sponsor: The invoice has been filed by Republican Rep. Susan Valdés. A Senate equivalent model has been filed. SB 418, which was filed by Democrat Sen. Shevrin Jones.
If handed, it would take impact July 1, 2026.
Heated tobacco product regulation
What it does: HB 377 updates Florida’s tobacco statutes to outline and regulate “heated tobacco merchandise” (HTPs), gadgets that warmth, somewhat than burn, tobacco to provide an inhalable aerosol.
- Provides HTPs to the identical regulatory class as cigarettes and cigars.
- Extends taxation and age restrictions to those merchandise.
- Clarifies language for enforcement and retail compliance.
Sponsor: The invoice has been filed by Republican Rep. Chase Tramont. A Senate associated model has but to be filed.
If handed, it would take impact July 1, 2026.
Flag show restrictions for presidency buildings
What it does: HB 347 would prohibit which flags authorities entities might show on public property.
- Permits solely particular flags, together with the U.S., Florida, county, metropolis, army, POW-MIA, and acknowledged tribal flags.
- Prohibits flags depicting political, ideological, racial, gender, or sexual-orientation symbols.
- Violations might lead to fines of $500 per day for noncompliance.
Sponsor: The invoice has been filed by Republican Rep. David Borrero. A Senate associated model has but to be filed.
If handed, it would take impact July 1, 2026.
The legislative session is scheduled to start Jan. 13.
