Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Agricultural and Landscaping Workers

Common Injuries for Agricultural and Landscaping Workers in Florida

Agricultural and landscaping workers are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions that can result in serious, disabling injuries. From operating dangerous machinery to working long hours under extreme heat, these workers face daily risks that can lead to both immediate trauma and long-term health complications. If you were hurt while performing physically demanding outdoor labor, you are not alone—and you may have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we have seen firsthand how a single injury can disrupt a worker’s life, leaving them unable to provide for themselves or their families. Our attorneys understand the unique nature of job-site hazards in farming and landscaping work. We are here to help injured workers across Florida understand their legal options and pursue the benefits they are entitled to receive.

Some of the most common injuries in Florida agricultural and landscaping jobs include

• Agricultural machinery accidents, such as entanglements, amputations, or crush injuries caused by tractors, harvesters, augers, or tillers
• Landscaping equipment injuries, including lacerations, eye damage, or blunt trauma from mowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, and stump grinders
• Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or dehydration, which can lead to hospitalization and long-term organ damage if untreated
• Falls from heights, including injuries sustained from ladders, scaffolding, bucket trucks, or uneven terrain while trimming trees or working on landscaping installations
• Musculoskeletal injuries, such as herniated discs, shoulder tears, or chronic back pain resulting from repetitive lifting, bending, or pushing heavy tools and materials
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and rotator cuff issues linked to tasks like planting, pruning, raking, or weed whacking over time
• Chemical exposure injuries, including skin burns, eye injuries, or respiratory problems caused by contact with fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides
• Biological hazards, such as severe allergic reactions, infections, or diseases transmitted by insect bites, bee stings, fire ants, or contact with wild animals or rodents
• Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents, often caused by wet grass, irrigation puddles, loose gravel, hidden holes, or improperly maintained worksites

These injuries can cause more than just temporary pain. Many workers are forced to miss weeks or months of work, endure surgeries or physical therapy, and may never fully return to their previous physical condition. Without proper compensation, this financial strain can quickly become overwhelming.

Long-Term Consequences of Outdoor Work Injuries

Even injuries that seem minor at first can result in chronic pain or limited mobility, especially if treatment is delayed. Some workers may also develop psychological effects, such as anxiety or depression, after a traumatic accident or a prolonged recovery. This is why it is essential to report your injury promptly, seek medical care, and consult an attorney who understands Florida’s workers’ compensation laws.

Whether your injury occurred while maintaining a commercial property, harvesting produce, or landscaping a private home, we are here to listen to your story and guide you through your next steps.

Are You Covered Under Florida Workers’ Compensation?

If you were hurt while working in farming, landscaping, nursery work, or grounds maintenance, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law. Unfortunately, many injured workers are unsure of their rights, and some are misinformed by employers who fail to carry proper insurance or misclassify workers to avoid paying benefits. You can review the full language of Florida’s workers’ compensation laws by accessing Chapter 440 of the Florida Statutes, which governs benefit eligibility and employer obligations.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we help injured outdoor laborers understand their eligibility and take action when their rights are ignored. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex cases involving employee status, agricultural regulations, and landscaping industry coverage across Florida.

Florida Workers’ Compensation Rules for Outdoor Employers

Florida has specific workers’ compensation requirements based on the size and type of business. Employers in agriculture and landscaping are generally required to provide coverage if they meet the following conditions

• Agricultural employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have six or more regular employees, or twelve or more seasonal workers who work more than 30 days in a year.
• Landscaping companies are required to provide coverage if they employ four or more workers, including part-time employees and those working in roles such as lawn care, tree services, or irrigation.

These requirements apply to farms, nurseries, landscape installation crews, tree trimming companies, and municipal groundskeeping operations throughout the state.

Types of Workers Who May Be Covered

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if your job is temporary or seasonal. Covered individuals often include

• Full-time and part-time employees
• Temporary workers placed through staffing agencies
• Seasonal laborers performing tasks during planting or harvest periods
• Migrant workers on H-2A or H-2B visas
• Workers who receive cash wages or are not fluent in English

Even if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still have the right to medical treatment and wage replacement benefits if your injury occurred during the course of your employment.

Misclassified as an Independent Contractor?

Some employers intentionally mislabel workers as independent contractors to avoid paying for insurance. While you may have been told you are not an “employee,” that label does not automatically prevent you from qualifying for benefits. In many cases, the nature of the work and the control exercised by the employer determine whether workers’ compensation coverage applies.

Factors that may indicate employee status include

• A set work schedule controlled by your employer
• Required use of employer-provided tools and equipment
• Supervision or direction during daily tasks
• Working exclusively for one company or under the same manager

If you believe you were wrongly classified, our legal team can review the details and help protect your right to compensation.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Determining whether you are covered under Florida’s workers’ compensation system is not always straightforward. Employers may not understand the law, or they may intentionally avoid their responsibilities. Speaking with an experienced attorney can make a critical difference, especially if your employer refuses to report the injury or claims you are ineligible.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we are here to provide honest answers, clear guidance, and legal support to injured workers across Florida. Whether you work on a farm, in a nursery, or on a landscaping crew, you deserve to know your rights and get the help you need.

Call +1 (561) 831-7245 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients across the state and offer services in English, Spanish, and Creole.

What Benefits Are Available Through Florida Workers’ Compensation?

Agricultural and landscaping workers in Florida often face physically demanding job conditions that can lead to serious injuries or occupational illnesses. If you are hurt while performing your work duties, the Florida workers’ compensation system may provide a variety of benefits to help with your recovery and reduce the financial impact of your injury.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you generally do not need to prove that your employer caused your injury. If your injury happened while performing job-related tasks and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to benefits that include medical care, wage replacement, and support services.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida

Injured workers may qualify for several categories of benefits depending on the nature and severity of the injury. These benefits may include

• Medical treatment from an approved provider, including hospital visits, surgery, physical therapy, diagnostic testing, and medications
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, available when you are unable to work during the recovery period
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits, available when you can return to work with restrictions but earn less than 80 percent of your previous wages
• Permanent Impairment Benefits, which may be available if your doctor determines you have reached maximum medical improvement and still suffer from a permanent loss of function
• Vocational rehabilitation services, such as job retraining, education programs, and placement assistance when you cannot return to your original occupation
• Reimbursement for travel costs to attend authorized medical appointments and treatments

In the event of a fatal workplace injury, the worker’s surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits, including funeral expenses and a portion of the worker’s lost income, subject to statutory limits.

Common Barriers to Receiving Benefits

While these benefits are established under Florida law, many injured workers encounter difficulties during the claims process. Insurance carriers may delay approvals, limit access to treatment, or challenge the extent of the injury. Some employers dispute the claim altogether or pressure employees to return to work before they are medically ready. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides helpful guidance on safety standards and common hazards in the landscaping and horticultural industries.

Workers in agriculture and landscaping may also face additional challenges, such as communication barriers, job misclassification, or uncertainty about how to report the injury. In these cases, it becomes especially important to understand your rights and how the benefits process works.

Knowing what you may be entitled to under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes during your recovery.

Challenges Faced by Injured Agricultural and Landscaping Workers

Florida’s agricultural and landscaping workers face some of the most physically demanding conditions in the state. Unfortunately, when an injury occurs, these workers often experience more difficulty accessing workers’ compensation benefits than employees in other industries. While the law is designed to provide timely medical care and wage support, the reality is that many injured laborers encounter significant obstacles when trying to secure what they are rightfully owed.

Common Obstacles in Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims

Injured farmworkers, nursery laborers, landscapers, and grounds maintenance workers often face one or more of the following challenges after an on-the-job injury

• Fear of job loss or retaliation, especially among undocumented workers, migrant laborers, or seasonal employees who worry that reporting an injury could affect their employment or future job opportunities
• Language and literacy barriers, which make it difficult to understand insurance paperwork, follow instructions from the claims administrator, or access critical legal information
• Lack of formal documentation, particularly when workers are paid in cash, not given written pay stubs, or hired without formal contracts
• Employer misclassification, where workers are labeled as independent contractors instead of employees, limiting access to benefits despite doing employee-level work
• Delays in treatment approval, including slow responses from insurers, disputes about whether treatment is necessary, or failure to authorize follow-up care
• Unfair denials, including claims rejected due to alleged pre-existing conditions or incomplete accident reports
• Cultural or immigration concerns, where injured workers may feel unsafe asserting their legal rights or fear involvement with the legal system due to their immigration status
• Limited knowledge of the workers’ compensation system, which leads to missed deadlines, incomplete filings, or failure to appeal denied claims

These obstacles create major hardships. A delay in medical care can turn a treatable injury into a long-term disability. A denied wage benefit can leave a family without rent money or food for the week. And when workers are pressured to return to the job before they are fully healed, they risk further injury and long-term harm.

The Impact on Injured Outdoor Laborers

For many injured agricultural and landscaping workers, these challenges are not just legal. They affect health, family stability, and the ability to continue working in physically demanding jobs. Many of these workers perform essential tasks under extreme conditions, often without the same protections or resources as employees in other industries.

Timely access to medical care, financial support during recovery, and clear communication about legal rights are all essential for a fair outcome. Without guidance, injured workers may miss out on crucial benefits that could support their recovery and long-term livelihood.

We Serve Agricultural and Landscaping Workers Across Florida

Florida’s diverse climate and growing economy support a wide range of agricultural and landscaping industries. These jobs span every region of the state and often involve physically demanding, outdoor labor. At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we are proud to represent injured workers from many backgrounds and job types who keep Florida’s farms, green spaces, and communities running.

We handle workers’ compensation claims for

• Farmworkers and field laborers throughout Central and South Florida, including those working in citrus groves, sugarcane fields, and vegetable crops
• Landscapers and groundskeepers across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, including workers in residential maintenance, commercial landscaping, and golf course upkeep
• Nursery and greenhouse workers in key agricultural areas such as Homestead, Apopka, Redland, and the surrounding nursery belt
• Public works and municipal crews involved in park maintenance, roadside landscaping, and government property upkeep

We understand the conditions and challenges faced by outdoor laborers across Florida’s urban, rural, and coastal regions. Our experience allows us to tailor our approach based on your work environment and the type of injury you sustained.

No matter where in Florida your workplace injury occurred, we are prepared to help you understand your rights and navigate the workers’ compensation process with confidence.

Contact a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Agricultural and Landscaping Workers

Agricultural and landscaping workers perform some of the toughest and most essential jobs in Florida. Whether you maintain public parks, care for crops, or work long hours in extreme heat to support your family, you deserve protection when an injury occurs on the job. Unfortunately, too many injured workers face challenges such as delayed medical treatment, denied claims, or pressure to return to work before they have fully healed.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we have a long history of standing up for injured workers throughout Florida. Our attorneys understand the specific risks outdoor laborers face and the legal barriers that can arise after a workplace injury. We assist clients at every stage of the process, including filing new claims, appealing denials, reviewing benefit calculations, and addressing employer disputes.

We represent farmworkers, nursery employees, landscapers, tree trimmers, irrigation technicians, and other outdoor workers across the state. Our legal team is committed to helping you understand your rights and recover the benefits you may be entitled to under Florida law.

To learn more about how we can help, call +1 (561) 831-7245 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We proudly assist clients in English, Spanish, and Creole, and there are no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation for Agricultural and Landscaping Workers in Florida

What should I do if I am injured while working on a farm or landscaping job in Florida?

If you are injured while performing job duties, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Florida law generally requires that injuries be reported within 30 days. You should also request medical treatment through a provider authorized by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Document everything, including the date, time, and how the injury happened. Delays in reporting can put your right to benefits at risk.

Am I eligible for workers’ compensation if I am a seasonal or migrant worker?

Yes. In Florida, many seasonal and migrant workers are covered under the workers’ compensation system, including those working under H-2A or H-2B visas. Your immigration status does not automatically prevent you from receiving benefits if you are injured on the job. If you are unsure whether you qualify, an attorney can evaluate your employment status and help confirm your eligibility.

What benefits can I receive through Florida workers’ compensation?

If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to medical care, wage replacement, and other support. Common benefits include treatment from authorized physicians, temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, and reimbursement for travel to medical appointments. In fatal cases, eligible family members may also qualify for death benefits.

What if my employer says I am an independent contractor?

Employers sometimes misclassify workers to avoid providing coverage. However, the label of “independent contractor” is not always accurate under the law. Florida evaluates your actual work conditions, such as how much control the employer has over your job duties. Even if you received a 1099 tax form, you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation. Misclassification is a common reason claims are denied, but it can be challenged with the right evidence.

Can I get fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

Florida law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report a workplace injury or file a workers’ compensation claim. If you were fired or demoted shortly after reporting an injury, you may have additional legal remedies available. It is important to speak with an attorney if you believe your job was affected because you exercised your rights.

What if my claim is denied or delayed?

Many valid workers’ compensation claims are denied or delayed by insurers. Common reasons include missing documentation, questions about whether the injury was job-related, or employer disputes. You have the right to challenge a denial and request a hearing. Working with an attorney can improve your chances of a favorable outcome by helping you gather medical records, secure witness statements, and meet all required deadlines.

Do I need a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim?

While it is not required by law to have a lawyer, having legal representation can be especially helpful in complex or contested cases. An attorney can guide you through the process, make sure your rights are protected, and handle communication with the insurance company. This is especially valuable if your claim was denied, you were misclassified, or your injuries are long-term or permanent.