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What Florida Roofing Contractors Need to Know About the Proposed E-Verify Expansion

A digital banner shows two roofing professionals shaking hands under a partly cloudy sky—one in a denim shirt and yellow hard hat, the other in a gray polo and safety vest—with an “E-Verify” logo and a silhouette of Florida in the background.

May 13, 2025

A New Employment Law Could Reshape Your Hiring Process

Florida lawmakers are pushing forward with a bill that could greatly impact how roofing contractors hire and onboard new employees. House Bill 955, currently under review, proposes making E-Verify mandatory for all private employers, regardless of company size.

If passed, this legislation would require every roofing company in Florida to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires. Here's what you need to know—and how to prepare.

What Is E-Verify?

E-Verify is a federal, web-based system that allows employers to confirm whether new employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. It cross-checks information from the employee's I-9 form against federal databases from the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

Currently, in Florida, only private businesses with 25 or more employees are required to use E-Verify. HB 955 would remove that threshold and make it mandatory for all private employers—big or small.

Key Details of the Bill

  • Who It Affects: All private employers, regardless of size, including small and family-owned roofing businesses.
  • Who It Applies To: Only new hires—existing employees will not need to be retroactively verified.
  • Enforcement and Penalties:
    • Three violations in 24 months = $1,000/day fine until compliance is corrected.
    • Employers must maintain documentation for at least three years.
  • Effective Date: If passed, the law would go into effect on July 1, 2025.

Why It Matters for Roofing Contractors

For roofing companies already struggling with workforce shortages, the law could present new challenges—but also help level the playing field.

The Upside:

  • Deters contractors who cut corners with undocumented or off-the-books labor.
  • Helps protect businesses from legal liability and surprise audits.
  • Shows customers and clients a higher level of professionalism and compliance.

The Concerns:

  • Adds another step to the hiring process, especially for small shops.
  • Could slow down onboarding during the busy season.
  • May shrink the already tight labor pool.

Florida Isn't Alone

If HB 955 passes, Florida would become the 10th state to mandate E-Verify for all private employers. Other states with similar laws include:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • (Florida would join this list)

Contractors operating across state lines may already be using E-Verify. For others, this could be a new compliance burden—and now's the time to get familiar with it.

What Roofing Contractors Should Do Now

  1. Review Your Current Hiring Practices
    Understand how your team handles I-9 verification today and identify gaps in your process.
  2. Register for E-Verify
    If you're not already using it, you can enroll at e-verify.gov.
  3. Train Your Office Team
    Make sure whoever handles onboarding knows how to use E-Verify and maintain the required documentation.
  4. Document Everything
    Store verification results for all new hires and maintain records for at least three years.
  5. Talk to Your Attorney or HR Consultant
    Legal and HR advisors can help you prepare policies that meet the new requirements.

Final Thoughts

Florida's proposed E-Verify expansion is a clear signal: enforcement around labor and immigration laws is tightening. Roofing contractors who get ahead of this change will be in a stronger position to avoid penalties, protect their businesses, and stand out as professional, compliant employers.

At ShopCotneyCG, we're here to help you navigate these changes with resources, tools, and training that keep your business protected and positioned for growth.