summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to commercial motor vehicles operated by unauthorized aliens; amending s. 316.3026, F.S.; declaring the policy of this state with respect to the operation of commercial motor vehicles by unauthorized aliens; deeming a certain threat to be an imminent safety hazard; providing requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators; requiring sworn law enforcement officers with certain authority to take into custody persons determined to be unauthorized aliens operating commercial motor vehicles and facilitate the transfer of such persons into the custody of a federal immigration agency; requiring the impoundment and removal of a commercial motor vehicle under certain circumstances; requiring such sworn law enforcement officers to immediately provide certain notification and information to the Florida Highway Patrol; providing that motor carriers are liable for certain civil penalties; prohibiting the release of certain impounded commercial motor vehicles unless certain penalties are paid or bonds are posted and certain costs are paid; requiring the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement to issue certain out- of-service orders; authorizing the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement to issue out-of-service orders to and impose civil penalties upon motor carriers under certain circumstances; providing that certain motor carriers are subject to certain penalties; requiring the approval of such out-of- service orders by the director of the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol or his or her designee; providing the circumstances under which such out-of- service orders may be removed; providing for the payment of certain penalties to the Chief Financial Officer, who shall credit the funds to the State Transportation Trust Fund for distribution to the Florida Highway Patrol to fund certain training and technology; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill declares that the operation of commercial motor vehicles by unauthorized aliens, meaning individuals not legally permitted to work in the United States, poses an imminent safety hazard due to potential language barriers and lack of operational understanding. It mandates that commercial motor vehicle operators must be lawfully present, possess a valid driver's license, understand English, be able to read and follow signage and laws, and communicate effectively with law enforcement. If a sworn law enforcement officer determines an unauthorized alien is operating a commercial motor vehicle, they are required to take that individual into custody and transfer them to federal immigration authorities, while also impounding the vehicle. The officer must immediately notify the Florida Highway Patrol with detailed information about the incident and the vehicle. Motor carriers found to have allowed unauthorized aliens to operate their vehicles, or who have had similar violations in other states, will be liable for a $50,000 civil penalty, and their impounded vehicles will not be released until this penalty and any impoundment costs are paid. The Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will issue out-of-service orders to these motor carriers, which must be approved by the Florida Highway Patrol director or their designee, and these orders can only be removed after a corrective action plan is approved and penalties are paid. Funds collected from these penalties will be used to fund training and technology for enforcing these provisions.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Now in Government Operations Subcommittee (on 01/15/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1247 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1247/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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