E-Verify Now Mandatory for Florida State Agencies and Contractors

Florida recently became the 14th state to require government employers and contractors to use E-Verify to confirm employees’ legal work status. On his first day in office, January 4, 2011, Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order Number 11-02, which took effect immediately and requires:

• all state agencies under the direction of the governor to verify employment eligibility of all current and prospective employees through E-Verify; and
• that such agencies’ contracts contain an express requirement that contractors use E-Verify to confirm the legal work status of: (1) their employees on public works projects in Florida; and (2) all persons, including subcontractors, assigned by the contractor to work on those projects.

Additionally, the order states that agencies not under the direction of the governor are “encouraged” to use E-Verify to verify current and prospective employees’ legal work status, and to require the same of those agencies’ contractors and subcontractors.