Florida House Passes Several Measures on E-Verify, Gun Rights, And More

The Florida House of Representatives passed several bills aimed at improving public safety, strengthening accountability, and protecting vulnerable Floridians to start the 2026 legislative session this week.

From protecting Florida jobs and improving health care outcomes to strengthening public safety and standing up for families, the Florida House hit the ground running," Speaker Danny Perez said. "These bills reflect our shared mission: to govern responsibly, solve real problems, and deliver meaningful results for Floridians. This productive first week set the tone for a session focused on common-sense solutions and accountability."

The House passed the following bills, which will all head to the Senate for approval.

HB 197 Employment Eligibility

Sponsored by Rep. Berny Jacques (R-Seminole), HB 197 strengthens Florida's E-Verify requirements by requiring all private employers use the system to verify that potential employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify checks a person's Form I-9 and Employment Eligibility Verification against records with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

The bill also mandates employers certify compliance when filing annual tax returns to reinforce transparency and accountability across Florida’s workforce.

“This legislation ensures fairness for workers and employers alike by closing loopholes that undermine our labor laws," Jacques said. "I filed HB 197 to ensure that Florida jobs go to American workers and not to those who violate our immigration and labor laws. For too long, loopholes have allowed businesses to exploit illegal labor at the expense of law-abiding Floridians. This bill strengthens our commitment to fair hiring practices and protects jobs for citizens and legal workers."

If fully passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 197 would take effect on July 1.

Restoring Constitutional Rights

Sponsored by Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island), HB 133 lowers the minimum age to purchase a firearm from 21 to 18 in an effort to restore the rights of adults to buy long guns through retail and private sales. Under current law, Floridians ages 18 to 20 may legally own, possess, and use long guns, but are banned from purchasing them.

"An 18-year-old Floridian is an adult under the law and should be treated as such," Sirois said. "This bill restores a constitutional right for law-abiding young adults who deserve the ability to defend themselves, their families, and their homes."

If fully passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 133 would take effect on July 1.

Expanding Justice for Grieving Families

Sponsored by Rep. Sam Greco (R-St. Augustine), HB 289 expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to let parents recover civil damages for the wrongful death of an unborn child, while also protecting mothers and health care providers from liability related to lawful medical care.

Florida law does not recognize wrongful death claims for unborn children. HB 289 looks to change that circumstance by aligning with other states in valuing the unborn.

"When a family suffers the devastating loss of an unborn child due to someone else's wrongful actions, they deserve access to justice," Greco said. "This legislation provides accountability, respects lawful medical care, and gives families a path toward healing."

If fully passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 289 would take effect on July 1.

Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in Death

Sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsky (R-Fort Pierce), HB 6003 allows families to pursue justice when medical negligence results in the death of a loved one. In many cases, parents of adult children over 25 or adult children of parents who have died cannot recover damages if a doctor, hospital, or nursing home makes a fatal mistake under current law.

HB 6003 aims to remove those limitations by opening the door for families to pursue compensation if medical negligence occurs.

"Families who lose a loved one due to a medical mistake should not be left without a voice or legal recourse," Trabulsy said. "HB 6003 ensures that Florida families have the opportunity to hold medical providers accountable and receive justice for their loss, no matter the age of the victim."

If fully passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 6003 would take effect on July 1.

Improving Health Care in Florida

Sponsored by Rep. Tobin "Toby" Overdorf (R-Palm City), HB 121 expands oversight and accountability for pre-licensure nursing education programs by hardening approval and probation standards, condensing accreditation timelines, and broadening enforcement authority for
the Board of Nursing. The legislation also mandates free remediationor tuition reimbursement when programs fail to sufficiently prepare students for licensure exams.

Notably, Florida ranks dead last in the U.S for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) passage rates. HB 121 looks to help nurses pass the exam for a job in the workforce.

"Florida will always support our nurses, and that starts with making sure their education sets them up for success," Overdorf said. "This bill holds programs accountable, protects students, and strengthens our health care workforce so that Florida-trained nurses are prepared, employable, and ready to serve patients across our state."

If fully passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 121 would take effect on July 1.

Health Care Patient Protection

Sponsored by Rep. Vanessa Oliver (R-Punta Gorda), HB 355 creates statewide pediatric readiness standards for hospital emergency departments, which include pediatric-specific policies, training, and designated care coordinators, as well as regular readiness assessments. The legislation also calls for transparency in public reporting of pediatric readiness scores.

Notably, only 18 of Florida’s 350 hospitals are considered "pediatric ready." According to the House, children are less likely to die when treated in emergency departments with
high pediatric readiness.

"When a child is rushed to the emergency room, families deserve to know that hospital is prepared to provide the best possible care," Oliver said. "HB 355 ensures hospitals follow proven best practices so that no matter where a child lives, they receive timely, appropriate, and potentially life-saving care."