Fact Check: Florida's law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to enter as an unauthorized alien.

Fact Check: "Florida's law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to enter as an unauthorized alien."

What We Know

Florida has enacted legislation that criminalizes the act of unauthorized entry into the state. Specifically, under Florida Statute 811.102, an unauthorized alien who is 18 years of age or older and knowingly enters or attempts to enter Florida after eluding or avoiding examination or inspection by immigration officers commits a first-degree misdemeanor. This law was established as part of Senate Bill 4-C, which went into effect on February 13, 2025, and aims to create specific offenses related to immigration status, including illegal entry and reentry (Florida Senate Bill Summaries).

The statute outlines that a person convicted of this offense faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of nine months. Subsequent violations can escalate to more severe charges, including third-degree felonies for repeat offenders (Florida Statutes Chapter 0811).

Analysis

The claim that Florida's law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for unauthorized aliens to enter the state is supported by the text of the law itself. The language in Florida Statute 811.102 clearly defines the offense and its associated penalties. The law's intent is to enforce stricter immigration controls at the state level, which aligns with similar legislation in other states like Texas.

However, the reliability of the sources is crucial for understanding the implications of this law. The Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate provide official documentation of the statutes, making them credible sources. Additionally, the law's passage and enforcement have been reported by various news outlets, including Florida Phoenix, which confirms the law's existence and its classification of unauthorized entry as a first-degree misdemeanor.

It is important to note that the law has been met with legal challenges, and there are ongoing discussions about its enforcement and implications for civil rights (ACLU). These challenges may affect how the law is applied in practice, but they do not negate the fact that the law currently exists as described.

Conclusion

The claim that "Florida's law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to enter as an unauthorized alien" is True. The statute explicitly states that unauthorized entry constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor, and this has been confirmed by multiple credible sources. While there may be legal challenges regarding the enforcement of this law, the existence and stipulations of the law itself are clear and well-documented.

Fact Check: Florida's law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to enter as an unauthorized alien.