Please see the below updates and resources for your business.
- Florida Employers Required to Use E-Verify Beginning July 1
- Statewide No Cost Confidential Cyber Risk Assessment
Florida Employers Required to Use E-Verify Beginning July 1A new law took effect on July 1, 2023, that requires certain employers to use the federal E-Verify database to verify the employment eligibility of new employees and certify to the state its compliance. The law applies to employers with 25 or more employees, however, employers with less than 25 employees can choose to use E-Verify and certify under the new law. While the bill takes effect July 1, penalties under the bill do not take effect until July 1, 2024.Many of you have reached out with questions about the new E-Verify law and what it means for your business. The Florida Chamber has been in constant communication with the state agencies that are implementing the new law to request clarification as we receive questions from our members. To date, the Florida Department of Revenue has released a Tax Information Publication and list of Frequently Asked Questions that outlines the new requirements for employers. In our communications with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, soon to be renamed the Florida Department of Commerce, we understand they will also be releasing guidance. The Department of Commerce is the agency charged with enforcing the new law. The Florida Chamber will provide this guidance and any additional updates as information is released. Background:According to proponents, the new law is necessary in response to the federal government’s failure to secure our nation’s borders and broken legal immigration process for those who wish to become United States citizens. The Florida Chamber believes a comprehensive immigration solution that includes securing the border is required of the federal government. For more information on what is included in the new law, and the work the Florida Chamber did to mitigate provisions of the bill, you can read our previous message here.Prior to this change, it was already illegal in the state of Florida to hire unauthorized workers, however many Florida employers had the choice between using the federal government’s I-9 form or E-Verify. A 2019 law required public employers and private employers contracting with state and local governments or receiving state incentive dollars to use the federal E-Verify system.Questions:In addition to the guidance offered by the state, it’s always smart to speak with an employment lawyer to ensure compliance with the new law. Employers that want to enroll in E-Verify or learn more can do so by visiting the official website.If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Chad Kunde, Director of Business Climate and Governance Policy at ckunde@flchamber.com.
Statewide No Cost Confidential Cyber Risk AssessmentCyber Florida at the University of South Florida, is conducting an online, no cost confidential cybersecurity risk assessment to all public and private critical infrastructure entities operating in Florida.The state created the Florida Center for Cybersecurity (aka Cyber Florida) in 2014 to help Florida become a national leader in cybersecurity through education and workforce development, research, and public engagement. In 2022, the State Legislature tasked Cyber Florida with conducting a statewide critical infrastructure risk assessment to help protect Florida’s people and property against potential cyber victimization.The 16 critical infrastructure sectors include: Chemical, Commercial Facilities, Communications, Critical Manufacturing, Dams, Defense Industrial Base, Emergency Services, Energy, Finance, Food and Agriculture, Government, Healthcare and Public Health, Information Technology, Nuclear, Transportation, and Water/Wastewater.While completing the assessment will take about an hour and a half to complete, there are some valuable and important benefits for you including
- A free custom report identifying areas of concern that can assist public organizations in applying for federal and state cyber-related grants and obtaining cyber insurance.
- An opportunity to contribute to policy decisions. The data gathered through this effort will help inform the Florida Legislature for future legislation and resource allocation.
- Help meeting regulatory and grant requirements. This assessment complies with many federal and industry assessment standards.
- Professional cyber subscriptions. Courtesy of Idaho National Laboratory, a select number of participants will get free access to the CyberKnights skills alignment program and Cyber-CHAMP resource framework.
You can access the assessment tool at cybersecureflorida.org. Cyber Florida team members are available to provide technical support and answer any questions that you may have as your members complete the assessment.Questions? Contact Emilio F Salabarria, MS CIM, Deputy Senior Executive AdvisorCyber Florida: Florida Center for Cybersecurity at USFesalabarria@cyberflorida.org