Common Agricultural Injuries & Your Rights as a Florida Farm Worker

Quick Summary: Farm work is some of the toughest and most important work in Florida — but it also comes with serious risks. From heat stress to machinery accidents, agricultural injuries can leave workers unsure of their rights or how to get help. In this guide, Probinsky, Cole & Usquelis explains what protections farm workers have, whether workers’ comp applies, and how undocumented workers can pursue benefits. Se habla español — estamos aquí para ayudarle.

Understanding Agricultural Injuries in Florida

Florida’s agricultural industry feeds families across the state and beyond, especially in communities like Immokalee, Sarasota, and Orlando. But the work often involves heavy equipment, extreme temperatures, repetitive motion, and dangerous conditions. At Probinsky, Cole & Usquelis, we frequently help injured farm workers who are dealing with:

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Slip-and-fall accidents in fields or packing houses
• Chemical exposure to pesticides or fertilizers
• Machinery accidents involving tractors, harvesters, or conveyors
• Repetitive stress injuries from bending, lifting, and packing
• Transportation accidents while traveling to or from worksites

Learn more about the dangers and signs of injury on our Agricultural Injuries page.

Does Workers’ Comp Cover Farm Workers in Florida?

Yes — many farm workers in Florida are covered by workers’ compensation. But agricultural coverage depends on the size and nature of the farm operation. Florida law requires workers’ comp for agricultural employers who:

• Have six or more regular employees, or
• Have 12 or more seasonal workers employed for more than 30 days in a season.

Even if your employer claims you are “not covered,” talk to an attorney before accepting that answer. Many workers qualify even when employers try to avoid responsibility.

For a full overview of benefits and eligibility, visit our Workers’ Compensation page.

Can Undocumented Farm Workers Receive Benefits?

Yes. In Florida, undocumented workers can receive workers’ compensation benefits. Your immigration status does not prevent you from getting medical treatment, lost wages, or other protections after a workplace injury.

However, some employers use fear and misinformation to keep workers from filing claims. Our team understands the unique challenges immigrant and migrant farm workers face — and we protect your confidentiality every step of the way. Your right to medical care and injury benefits does not disappear because of your status.

Your Rights After an Agricultural Injury

If you’re hurt while working in the fields, groves, packing houses, or processing facilities, you may have the right to:

• Free medical care related to the injury
• Transportation reimbursement for medical visits
• Wage replacement if you can’t work
• Special benefits for permanent injuries or disabilities
• Death benefits for families after fatal workplace accidents

We Stand With Florida’s Farm Workers

For more than 25 years, Probinsky, Cole & Usquelis has stood with Florida’s agricultural workers — including the communities of Immokalee, Sarasota, and Orlando. Whether you are a year-round employee or a seasonal worker, documented or undocumented, you deserve legal support that treats you with dignity and respect.

Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you were injured while working on a Florida farm, you don’t have to face the system alone. We offer free consultations — and we speak Spanish (Se habla español).

Call us at (941) 371-8800 or contact us through our website to get the help you deserve.