Florida's SB 4-C 'Illegal Entry' Crime: Blocked Statewide

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Blocked statewide. A federal preliminary injunction issued April 29, 2025 bars all Florida state and local officers from enforcing SB 4-C, after the court found the law likely preempted by federal immigration authority. The Eleventh Circuit (June 6, 2025) and the U.S. Supreme Court (July 9, 2025, application No. 24A1269, no noted dissents) both refused to lift the block. While the injunction is in effect, no one can be arrested, charged, or prosecuted under SB 4-C anywhere in Florida. Florida's appeal of the injunction is pending in the Eleventh Circuit, which heard oral argument October 9, 2025.

Florida’s SB 4-C ‘Illegal Entry’ Crime: Blocked Statewide

Status: Blocked by court — Florida Immigrant Coalition v. Uthmeier (11th Cir. No. 25-11469; S.D. Fla. No. 1:25-cv-21524; U.S. Supreme Court application No. 24A1269)

Next step: Eleventh Circuit decision on the merits of Florida's appeal of the preliminary injunction (argued October 9, 2025); ruling pending as of June 30, 2026. The injunction remains in effect until the court rules.

Verified against the primary source as of 2026-07-25 — status can change with a single court ruling. Official source.

What’s happening

Blocked statewide. A federal preliminary injunction issued April 29, 2025 bars all Florida state and local officers from enforcing SB 4-C, after the court found the law likely preempted by federal immigration authority. The Eleventh Circuit (June 6, 2025) and the U.S. Supreme Court (July 9, 2025, application No. 24A1269, no noted dissents) both refused to lift the block. While the injunction is in effect, no one can be arrested, charged, or prosecuted under SB 4-C anywhere in Florida. Florida’s appeal of the injunction is pending in the Eleventh Circuit, which heard oral argument October 9, 2025.

Who it affects

Immigrants physically present in Florida. SB 4-C, signed February 13, 2025, created state crimes of “illegal entry” and “illegal reentry” into Florida by people without lawful immigration status — letting state and local police arrest on that basis and requiring pretrial detention without bond. Because the law is blocked statewide, state and local officers cannot arrest, charge, or prosecute anyone under SB 4-C while the injunction stands. The block does not change federal immigration law or federal enforcement, and it does not affect Florida’s separate SB 1718 provisions.

How it got here

Feb 13, 2025 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs SB 4-C, creating state crimes for unauthorized "illegal entry" and "illegal reentry" into Florida.
Apr 29, 2025 U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams (S.D. Fla.) issues a preliminary injunction blocking all enforcement of SB 4-C statewide, finding it likely preempted by federal immigration law.
Jun 17, 2025 The district court holds Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in civil contempt over an April 23 letter telling police the order did not restrain them from enforcing SB 4-C.
Jul 9, 2025 The U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida's emergency application to lift the injunction (No. 24A1269), with no noted dissents; the statewide block stays in place.
Oct 9, 2025 The Eleventh Circuit hears oral argument on Florida's appeal of the preliminary injunction.

What to watch next

Eleventh Circuit decision on the merits of Florida’s appeal of the preliminary injunction (argued October 9, 2025); ruling pending as of June 30, 2026. The injunction remains in effect until the court rules.

Official sources

This page is general information about ongoing litigation, not legal advice. A case’s status can change with a single ruling, and outcomes can turn on facts specific to each person. For advice on a specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.

Frequently asked questions

What is this case about?

Immigrants physically present in Florida. SB 4-C, signed February 13, 2025, created state crimes of ‘illegal entry’ and ‘illegal reentry’ into Florida by people without lawful immigration status — letting state and local police arrest on that basis and requiring pretrial detention without bond. Because the law is blocked statewide, state and local officers cannot arrest, charge, or prosecute anyone under SB 4-C while the injunction stands. The block does not change federal immigration law or federal enforcement, and it does not affect Florida’s separate SB 1718 provisions.

Where does it stand right now?

Blocked statewide. A federal preliminary injunction issued April 29, 2025 bars all Florida state and local officers from enforcing SB 4-C, after the court found the law likely preempted by federal immigration authority. The Eleventh Circuit (June 6, 2025) and the U.S. Supreme Court (July 9, 2025, application No. 24A1269, no noted dissents) both refused to lift the block. While the injunction is in effect, no one can be arrested, charged, or prosecuted under SB 4-C anywhere in Florida. Florida’s appeal of the injunction is pending in the Eleventh Circuit, which heard oral argument October 9, 2025. Eleventh Circuit decision on the merits of Florida’s appeal of the preliminary injunction (argued October 9, 2025); ruling pending as of June 30, 2026. The injunction remains in effect until the court rules.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.