Florida Bill Aims to Limit Undocumented Immigrants' Access to Workers' Comp

Proposed legislation would prohibit undocumented workers from receiving compensation for on-the-job injuries.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new bill in the Florida House of Representatives would make it harder for undocumented immigrants to obtain certain licenses and financial assistance, including workers' compensation. The measure would prohibit "unauthorized aliens" from getting licenses issued by the state Department of Financial Services and give the Division of Risk Management discretion to deny undocumented immigrants' workers' comp claims. The bill's sponsors argue it is necessary to address the economic strain of undocumented immigration, but critics say it will put vulnerable people in an "impossible situation."

Why it matters

This bill is part of Florida's broader efforts to crack down on undocumented immigration, which have included measures like E-Verify requirements and participation in the 287(g) program. The proposed restrictions on workers' comp and other benefits for undocumented immigrants are likely to face legal challenges, as courts have previously ruled against efforts to deny certain rights and protections to this population.

The details

The bill (HB 1307) would prohibit undocumented immigrants from obtaining any licenses issued by the state Department of Financial Services, including those related to insurance. It would also give the Division of Risk Management discretion to deny undocumented immigrants' workers' comp claims and require all commercial driver's license testing to be conducted only in English. Supporters of the bill, including its sponsor Rep. Berny Jacques, argue it is necessary to address the economic strain of illegal immigration, while critics like Harrison Lundy say the language requirement is "oppressive."

  • The bill passed the House Commerce Committee on a 20-5 vote on February 11, 2026.
  • The Senate version of the bill (SB 1380) has not yet received a hearing.

The players

Rep. Berny Jacques

The Republican sponsor of HB 1307, who was born in Haiti.

Rep. Kimberly Daniels

The only Democrat on the House Commerce Committee to vote in favor of the bill.

Nikki Jones

The founder and president of The Voices Foundation, which helps people whose loved ones were killed or hurt by crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.

Harrison Lundy

A 2024 candidate for the state House who criticized the bill's language requirement as "oppressive."

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora

The coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee, a faith-based humanitarian nonprofit, who argued the bill would put vulnerable people in an "impossible situation."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Florida has led the nation in fighting the dangers of illegal immigration, protecting its communities and shaping anti-illegal immigration policies.”

— Rep. Berny Jacques (cbsnews.com)

“Mandating that these only exist in English is just really oppressive. There is no official one language of the United States.”

— Harrison Lundy, 2024 state House candidate (cbsnews.com)

“We don't know yet what's going to come out of the courts tomorrow, and so we are putting people who are already vulnerable, people who are just trying to survive in an even more impossible situation.”

— Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The measure faces two more committee hearings in the House before reaching the floor. The Senate version of the bill (SB 1380) hasn't received a hearing in that chamber.

The takeaway

This bill is the latest in Florida's ongoing efforts to restrict the rights and benefits available to undocumented immigrants, which are likely to face legal challenges given past court rulings. The debate highlights the complex and politically charged issues surrounding immigration policy in the state and across the country.