Florida Bill Tightening Jobless Aid Advances, Raising Stakes for Disney Cast Members

Overview

• HB 191, the Promoting Work, Deterring Fraud Act of 2026, is moving through the Legislature and is described as taking effect July 1, 2026.
• The measure requires at least five prospective employer contacts each week and imposes a “three strikes” disqualification for missing scheduled interviews without valid excuses.
• The state would conduct biweekly eligibility cross-checks and require identity verification through vendors such as ID.me and the federal SAVE system before issuing payments.
• Advocates warn seasonal and specialized Walt Disney World Cast Members could face disqualification pressures due to limited suitable job options and predictable seasonal hour reductions.
• Critics cite Florida’s past CONNECT system failures and caution that new digital checkpoints and a public reporting portal could freeze payments and hurt Central Florida’s broader economy.