I-9 Form and Employment Authorization in Florida

How to fill out the I-9 form for employment in Florida?

1. Employee Section:

a. First, complete the employee section of the form. You will need to provide your full legal name, address, and date of birth.

b. You will then need to provide your Social Security Number and a list of acceptable documents that prove your identity and employment eligibility. The options include a passport, driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate.

c. Sign and date the form.

2. Employer Section:

a. The employer must verify your identity and employment eligibility by completing the employer section of the form.
b. The employer must enter their name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the form.
c. They must also sign and date the form after verifying the documents you have provided.
d. The employer must also keep a copy of the completed I-9 form on file for at least three years.

Where can I get an I-9 form in Florida for employment purposes?

The I-9 form is available online from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. An employer can also obtain the I-9 form from the USCIS office nearest them in Florida.

What documents are acceptable for I-9 verification in Florida?

In Florida, the following documents are acceptable for I-9 verification:

1. U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
2. Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
3. Foreign Passport with Form I-551 stamp
4. Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766, I-688B, or I-688A)
5. U.S. Driver’s License or Identification Card
6. State-Issued Identification Card
7. Social Security Card or Social Security Number Verification Letter
8. Birth Certificate
9. U.S. Certificates of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or DS-1350)
10. Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
11. Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)

Is there a deadline for completing the I-9 form in Florida when starting a new job?

In Florida, employers must complete the I-9 form for new employees within three business days of their start date. If the employer misses the deadline, they may be subject to civil monetary penalties.

How often do I need to update the I-9 form for employment in Florida?

The I-9 form must be updated within three years of the employee’s start date or at the time of a re-verification, whichever comes first.

Are there local variations in I-9 document requirements in Florida?

Yes. In the state of Florida, employers must adhere to both Federal and state laws when completing the Form I-9. Florida requires that all employers must also have a “Sunshine State” version of the Form I-9, which includes additional documents that must be provided to verify the identity and employment eligibility of employees. Additionally, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity may require additional documents for certain employees.

Can I complete the I-9 form online in Florida for remote work?

No, you cannot complete the I-9 form online in Florida for remote work. The I-9 form must be completed in person and requires an original document as proof of identity and employment eligibility.

What is the penalty for not completing the I-9 form in Florida?

If an employer fails to properly complete the Form I-9, the employer may be fined up to $1,100 per form under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations.

Is E-Verify mandatory for employers in Florida during the I-9 process?

No, E-Verify is not mandatory for employers in Florida during the I-9 process. However, some employers may choose to use E-Verify as an additional step in the I-9 process for verifying the identity and work authorization of employees.

How to correct errors on the I-9 form in Florida after submission?

Unfortunately once the I-9 form is submitted, it can’t be changed or corrected. If there are errors on the form, the employer should contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for guidance on how to proceed. Depending on the severity of the errors, USCIS may require the employer to complete a new I-9 form.

Are there I-9 workshops or training programs available in Florida?

Yes, there are I-9 training programs and workshops available in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity offers a free I-9 workshop for employers, and various private companies offer I-9 trainings throughout the state. To find an I-9 workshop or training program near you, search online or contact your local Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Can I use a foreign passport for I-9 verification in Florida?

Yes, you can use a foreign passport for I-9 verification in Florida. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of all new hires, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. As long as the foreign passport contains a photograph and the employee’s name, it can be used to verify identity and employment eligibility.

How does the I-9 process work for temporary employees in Florida?

1. The hiring company must obtain an original Form I-9 for each temporary employee hired in Florida.

2. The employee must complete Section 1 of the form on or before their first day of work.

3. The employer must review and sign the form to verify the identity and employment authorization documents provided by the employee within three business days of the employee’s start date.

4. The employee must present original documents to the employer that establish identity and employment authorization. The employer must inspect and make copies of these documents to verify identity and authorization.

5. The employer must retain a copy of the Form I-9 and supporting documentation for the duration of the employee’s employment plus an additional three years after the termination date of employment.

6. The employer must complete Section 2 of the form after reviewing the documents provided by the employee and before issuing them a paycheck or other compensation.

Is there a helpline for I-9-related questions in Florida?

Yes, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a National Customer Service Center helpline specifically for questions related to Form I-9 in Florida. The number is 1-800-375-5283.

What to do if my work authorization expires in Florida and affects the I-9 form?

If your work authorization expires in Florida and affects the I-9 form, you must update the form with your current work authorization documents, or you may be subject to fines. You should contact your employer to see if they have any procedures in place for updating I-9 forms. If your employer does not have any procedures in place, you will need to fill out a new Form I-9 and submit it with your updated work authorization documents. Be sure to keep copies for your records.

Are there I-9 compliance audits for businesses in Florida?

Yes, there are I-9 compliance audits for businesses in Florida. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts I-9 audits to ensure that employers are properly verifying the identity and work authorization of their employees. Employers must comply with the I-9 regulation set by ICE to avoid penalties.

How does the I-9 process work for remote employees in Florida?

The I-9 process for remote employees in Florida is the same as for any other employee. The employer must still complete Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of each employee, including remote employees, within three days of their start date. Employers can either have the employee appear in person to review the required documents for completion of the form or the employer may use a remote verification system. In addition, employers must retain the form and supporting documents for all employees, including remote employees, for at least three years after the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later. Any remote employee who is unable to appear in person or utilize a remote verification system must complete Section 2 of Form I-9 with documents sent by secure mail or other means authorized by USCIS.

Can I refuse to fill out the I-9 form in Florida for religious reasons?

No, you cannot refuse to fill out the I-9 form in Florida for religious reasons. The form is mandated by the federal government and must be completed by all employers and employees regardless of religious beliefs.

What is the role of the HR department in the I-9 process in Florida?

The role of the Human Resources (HR) department in the I-9 process in Florida is to review the employee’s documents and to make sure that they are accurate, complete, legally valid and unexpired. The HR department should also provide employees with information about what documents they can present for I-9 verification and instruct them on how to fill out the I-9 form correctly. Finally, the HR department should ensure that the I-9 form is retained for three years after the employee’s date of hire or one year after the employee’s termination, whichever is later.

How does the I-9 process work for seasonal workers in Florida?

The I-9 process for seasonal workers in Florida is similar to the process for any other worker. A seasonal worker in Florida must complete an I-9 form, which is used to verify their identity and employment authorization. The worker must provide documents that establish their identity and employment authorization. These documents may include a Social Security card, permanent resident card, U.S. passport, or other documents specified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The employer must review the documents, enter the information into Section 2 of the I-9 form, and retain a copy of the completed form for their records. Seasonal workers in Florida are not exempt from completing an I-9 form and must do so in order to be legally employed in the state.