Navigation New Florida immigration law seen as causing hit to state’s agricultural economy
The provisions of a Florida immigration law passed last year is pushing farmworkers out of the state, will contribute to a $12.6 billion drop in Florida’s gross domestic product and result in a corresponding decline in state tax revenues, critics of the law predict.
A federal judge, Roy Altman of the Southern District of Florida, last month temporarily blocked enforcement of one section of the statute, Senate Bill 1718, which was sponsored by state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill). Even so, critics expect the law to usher in new economic challenges in Florida, even though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the law would ensure that Floridians are shielded from “reckless border policies.”
“While we don’t know the exact monetary value of the wealth that our state has lost due to Gov. DeSantis’ war on people who are just seeking opportunities and stability, we do know that many of those people, who do essential work in our state, have fled since last year’s signing of SB 1718,” Adriana Rivera, spokeswoman for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, told the Florida Record in an email.
