Florida CFO Proposes New Restrictions to Block Undocumented Immigrants From State Programs, Citing Fatal Crash

Florida CFO Announces Legislative Package Targeting Undocumented Immigrants

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia on Wednesday unveiled a slate of legislative priorities intended to prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing state financial programs, professional licenses and certain workplace protections. Ingoglia, a former state senator, said the measures are designed to protect communities and deter unlawful settlement in Florida.

"Illegal immigration has scourged our communities. Too many lives have been lost, and too many people have been hurt as a result of illegal immigration," Ingoglia said, referencing a fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike earlier this year that involved an Indian national who allegedly held a California commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Ingoglia said Florida has already taken broad steps to restrict undocumented immigrants' access to state programs but argued that gaps remain in the law that could be exploited if future administrations change policy. He described recent actions to limit the employment of undocumented truck drivers and to address language barriers among drivers as a starting point, but said additional legal changes are necessary.

Arrests and Enforcement

Ingoglia told reporters his office has identified 26 undocumented immigrants arrested on charges that fall under the Florida Department of Financial Services' jurisdiction. Among those arrests were four individuals charged with insurance fraud, with alleged schemes totaling about $800,000.

Key Proposals

• Ban Down-Payment Assistance: Prohibit state down-payment assistance programs from being available to undocumented immigrants, citing experiences in other states that he said burden taxpayers.
• Bar State Financial Licenses: Prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving professional licenses overseen by the Department of Financial Services and consider revoking licenses already issued if recipients are found to be in the country unlawfully.
• English-Only Final CDL Exams: Require that final commercial driver’s license exams be administered in English only.
• Workers’ Compensation Eligibility: Exclude undocumented workers from the definition of "covered employees" under Florida’s workers’ compensation statutes.
• Insurance Rules: Propose changes affecting how insurers handle claims involving undocumented policyholders, including rules that would affect fault determinations in certain auto accidents.

Support And Political Context

Several Republican lawmakers and local officials joined Ingoglia in backing the plan, including State Reps. Kiyan Michael (R-Duval) and Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), and St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick. Rep. Michael said he has seen the tragedies that can follow from illegal immigration and urged action to protect "law-abiding citizens of Florida."

Ingoglia succeeded former CFO Jimmy Patronis, who won election to Congress. Ingoglia stated he plans to work with the Florida Legislature and Governor to advance the proposals.

Note: The measures are legislative proposals and would require approval by the Legislature and the Governor before becoming law.