TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - House Transportation & Infrastructure committee unanimously approved HB 671, which strengthens the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s efforts to fight fraud in the state’s Reemployment Assistance program. The legislation provides DEO access to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ DAVID System, which includes the state photo identification database.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Today the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee overwhelmingly supported DEO’s efforts to protect Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program from theft and fraud. I appreciate Rep. LaRosa for his leadership as the bill sponsor and Chairman Drake and the committee for voting unanimously to help DEO stop criminals from stealing benefits from job seekers who need them.”

The legislation includes the tools and legal authorizations that are critical to prevent and fight public benefits fraud by providing DEO access to the driver’s license database to confirm claimant-provided IDs are not fraudulent.

About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.