Farm Jobs in Florida
Discover agricultural careers across Florida, the only mainland state with year-round tropical and subtropical growing conditions. From strawberry fields in Plant City to sugarcane plantations in the Everglades, citrus groves in Central Florida, and the nation's largest nursery industry, Florida offers unparalleled diversity across 44,400 farms producing 300+ specialty crops.
Major Cities with Farm Jobs:
1 Farm Job in Florida
Farm Jobs in Florida
Florida stands as America's most agriculturally diverse state, producing over 300 specialty crops—more variety than any other state in the nation. With $10.2 billion in agricultural production value across 44,400 farms on 9.7 million acres, Florida ranks 21st nationally in total agricultural output but leads the nation in numerous specialty categories. The state's subtropical and tropical climate—unique among mainland U.S. states—enables year-round production and counter-seasonal growing when northern states are dormant. Florida's agriculture industry employs over 2.5 million people across related sectors, with 105,000+ direct farm workers and 60,867 H-2A temporary agricultural workers (the highest of any state). Florida ranks #1 nationally in strawberries ($540 million, highest-value fruit crop), sugarcane (50% of U.S. production, $790+ million), ornamental fish (95% of U.S. supply), and tropical/indoor plants (80% of U.S. supply). The state's nursery and greenhouse industry alone generates $4.55+ billion annually, making it the 2nd-largest producer of ornamental products nationally. Additional major commodities include vegetables and melons ($2.26 billion), cattle (883,589 head, $546-775 million), oranges and citrus ($580 million, 49% of U.S. orange juice), and tomatoes ($323+ million, 2nd nationally). Top agricultural counties include Palm Beach ($901 million with 70% of state's sugarcane), Miami-Dade ($838 million), and Hendry ($329 million). Florida's agricultural diversity extends from the Everglades Agricultural Area's massive sugarcane operations to Immokalee's tomato production, Plant City's strawberry farms, Central Florida's citrus belt, and North Florida's peanut and cotton fields.
Why Work on Florida Farms?
Working on Florida farms offers unique advantages found nowhere else in the continental United States. The state's subtropical and tropical climate provides true year-round employment opportunities—South Florida maintains a 365-day growing season while Central and North Florida offer extended seasons unavailable in other states. Farm workers earn an average of $13.04/hour, with H-2A workers receiving $16.23/hour in 2025 (a 10% increase reflecting state minimum wage laws rising $1/year until reaching $15/hour in 2026). Florida leads the nation with 60,867 approved H-2A workers (FY2023), demonstrating massive employer demand and established support infrastructure. The state's agricultural diversity creates opportunities across multiple sectors: year-round positions in nursery/greenhouse operations ($30+ billion economic output), seasonal strawberry harvest (April-March peak, $540 million industry), winter vegetable production when northern states are dormant (November-May, $2.26 billion), citrus harvest (October-May), sugarcane operations (440,000 acres in Everglades), cattle ranching (883,589 head), blueberry harvest (April-June), and aquaculture (550% growth in food fish 2018-2023). Employment is increasing with 3% more farm workers hired nationally in October 2024 versus 2023, and agricultural employment up 10% from 2010 to 2024. Florida offers pathways to regenerative agriculture careers—Florida Crystals operates the largest Regenerative Organic Certified farm in the United States. The Florida Farmworker Career Development Program provides housing assistance, career services, emergency stabilization, and training for year-round, higher-wage positions. The state's unique ability to grow tropical crops unavailable elsewhere (mangoes, avocados, papayas, bananas commercially), combined with counter-seasonal production supplying the entire nation during winter months, creates stable demand and diverse opportunities.
Types of Farms in Florida
Florida agriculture offers exceptional diversity across distinct regions and climate zones. The nursery and greenhouse sector dominates with $4.55+ billion in production, concentrated in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Polk counties, producing 80% of tropical and indoor plants sold in the U.S. and providing year-round employment in propagation, growing, shipping, and sales. The Everglades Agricultural Area (Palm Beach and Hendry counties) features massive sugarcane plantations covering 440,000 acres producing 50% of U.S. sugarcane ($790+ million), harvested on rotating schedules throughout the year, plus winter vegetable operations growing tomatoes, beans, peppers, and squash on fertile muck soils. Central Florida's citrus belt spans Polk, DeSoto, Highlands, and Hardee counties with orange groves (12.0 million boxes forecast 2024-25) harvested October through May, though the industry faces challenges from citrus greening disease. Strawberry operations concentrate in Plant City and Dover (Hillsborough County) with 16,200 acres producing 3.32 million hundredweight ($540 million), harvested November through March with peak employment December-February. Southwest Florida's Immokalee region (Collier County) hosts major tomato production including the nation's largest tomato producer (Lipman Family Farms), with 24,000 commercial acres producing 638 million pounds harvested November through May. Cattle ranches span 9.7 million acres (nearly half of all Florida farmland) with Okeechobee County leading at 110,000 head, providing year-round employment in the state's 9th-ranked beef operation nationally. North Florida (Suwannee, Jackson, Gadsden counties) grows peanuts ($137 million, 4th nationally), cotton (125,000 bales in 2024, up 13%), watermelons (34% of U.S. production), and hay. Blueberry operations (5,700 acres producing 15.7 million pounds) harvest April through June primarily in North and Central Florida. Aquaculture facilities produce 95% of U.S. ornamental fish ($57 million), plus growing food fish operations (tilapia, striped bass, cobia) experiencing 550% sales growth 2018-2023.
Getting Started with Farm Work in Florida
Entry-level farm positions in Florida are available year-round due to the state's unique subtropical and tropical climate, with peak hiring varying by region and crop. Peak seasonal opportunities include winter vegetable harvest (November-May across South Florida's Everglades region and Southwest Florida), strawberry season (November-March in Plant City with peak December-February), citrus harvest (October-May in Central Florida), blueberry harvest (April-June in North/Central Florida), and watermelon harvest (May-July in North Florida). Year-round opportunities exist in nursery and greenhouse operations (the state's largest agricultural employer at $4.55+ billion), cattle ranching (883,589 head statewide), sugarcane operations (rotating harvest schedules), aquaculture facilities, and farm management positions. No specific certifications are required for entry-level positions, though bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly valued, and equipment operation experience, irrigation knowledge, or organic farming background significantly expand opportunities. Florida leads the nation with 60,867 H-2A temporary agricultural workers (FY2023), indicating robust employer support infrastructure and established pathways for seasonal employment with guaranteed housing and $16.23/hour wages in 2025. Top agricultural employment regions include Palm Beach County ($901 million agricultural value, 70% of state's sugarcane), Miami-Dade County ($838 million, nursery operations and tropical fruits), Hendry County ($329 million, citrus and sugarcane), Immokalee area (Collier County, major tomato production), Plant City/Dover area (Hillsborough County, strawberries), Central Florida citrus belt (Polk, DeSoto, Highlands counties), and North Florida (Suwannee County where agriculture provides 50% of jobs). The Florida Farmworker Career Development Program offers housing assistance, career services, emergency stabilization, and training for transitioning to year-round positions. Southeast TOPP provides free mentorship for organic agriculture transitions. CareerSource centers throughout the state offer farmworker-specific employment services and job placement. Entry wages average $13.04/hour with state minimum wage rising $1/year until reaching $15/hour in 2026, and H-2A positions offering $16.23/hour with free housing, creating strong earning potential especially during peak seasons when overtime is common.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm worker wages in Florida?
Florida farm workers currently earn an average of $13.04/hour, with wages ranging from $11.15/hour (25th percentile) to $14.38/hour (75th percentile) according to September 2024 data. While Florida currently ranks 50th among states for farm worker wages, significant increases are underway. H-2A temporary agricultural workers receive $16.23/hour in 2025, representing a 10% increase (over $1.40/hour raise) from 2024 rates. This wage growth stems from Florida's minimum wage law requiring annual $1/hour increases until reaching $15/hour in 2026, with subsequent inflation adjustments. The 60,867 H-2A workers in Florida (highest in the nation) receive additional benefits including free employer-provided housing meeting federal standards, transportation to/from worksites, and guaranteed work hours. Farm managers and operators earn $15-32/hour depending on operation size and specialization. Equipment operators, irrigation specialists, and agricultural technicians earn above-average wages. Year-round positions in the nursery/greenhouse sector ($4.55+ billion industry) often provide stable employment with traditional benefits. Specialized skills like bilingual Spanish/English communication, equipment operation, organic certification knowledge, or pest management increase earning potential. The 2024-2025 period shows positive wage trends with 2% average increases observed across the sector, and agricultural employment up 3% nationally (October 2024 vs. 2023), indicating strong labor demand supporting continued wage growth.
Can I find year-round farm work in Florida?
Yes! Florida offers true year-round agricultural employment opportunities unavailable in most other states due to its unique subtropical and tropical climate. South Florida maintains a 365-day growing season, while Central and North Florida provide extended seasons. Year-round positions are abundant in the nursery and greenhouse sector ($4.55+ billion, Florida's largest agricultural industry) which operates continuously producing 80% of tropical and indoor plants sold in the U.S. Cattle ranching provides consistent employment managing 883,589 head across nearly half of Florida's farmland. Aquaculture operations (95% of U.S. ornamental fish, growing food fish sector) run year-round. Sugarcane operations on 440,000 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area plant and harvest on rotating schedules throughout the year. Farm management, irrigation maintenance, and equipment operation positions remain in demand across all seasons. For those preferring seasonal variety, Florida offers unique progression: winter vegetable harvest in South Florida (November-May when northern states are dormant) → spring strawberry peak (December-March) and blueberry harvest (April-June) → summer watermelon harvest (May-July) → fall citrus season begins (October). This counter-seasonal production makes Florida the primary supplier of tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, sweet corn, and other crops to the entire nation during winter and spring months. The state's 60,867 H-2A workers (most in U.S.) and 105,000+ direct farm workers demonstrate massive year-round demand. The Florida Farmworker Career Development Program specifically focuses on transitioning seasonal workers to stable, year-round positions, particularly in the greenhouse/nursery sector which provides consistent employment with less weather dependency than field crops.
What makes Florida unique for tropical and specialty crop production?
Florida is the only mainland U.S. state with true tropical and subtropical climate zones, enabling production of over 300 specialty crops—more agricultural diversity than any other state. South Florida's tropical savanna climate (southern tip and Keys) allows commercial production of crops impossible elsewhere in the continental U.S.: bananas, papayas, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, lychees, longans, carambola, and sapodilla. Florida produces 80% of all tropical and indoor plants sold in the United States, a $4.55+ billion industry concentrated in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Polk counties. The state accounts for 95% of ornamental fish in the U.S. ($57 million), with warm climate enabling year-round aquaculture of tropical species. Florida holds #1 national rankings in strawberries (highest-value fruit crop at $540 million), sugarcane (50% of U.S. production at $790+ million), and historically in oranges (though recently overtaken by California in total volume, Florida still produces 49% of oranges used in U.S. orange juice). The state ranks #2 in tomato production ($323+ million on 24,000 acres) and greenhouse/nursery products, plus top-3 in bell peppers, snap beans, cucumbers, squash, and blueberries. Florida's counter-seasonal growing advantage allows production when northern states are dormant—winter vegetables harvested November through May supply the entire nation. The state's 365-day growing season in South Florida, combined with abundant sunshine and natural precipitation, creates multiple crop rotations per year impossible elsewhere. This enables Florida to produce the earliest domestic crops each spring: first strawberries, first sweet corn, first watermelons, first blueberries shipping to markets nationwide. Additionally, Florida hosts the largest Regenerative Organic Certified farm in the United States (Florida Crystals), pioneering sustainable agriculture at commercial scale.
What is happening with Florida's citrus industry?
Florida's citrus industry faces significant challenges but remains a major employer and cultural icon. The 2024-25 forecast projects 12.0 million boxes of oranges, representing a 33% decline from the previous season and down dramatically from historical peaks when Florida produced over 200 million boxes annually. Citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing/HLB), first detected in 2005, has devastated the industry, combined with hurricane impacts (Ian, Idalia, recent storms). California recently surpassed Florida in total orange production volume for the first time in decades. However, Florida still accounts for 49% of oranges used in U.S. orange juice production and maintains $580+ million in citrus cash receipts (6.5% of state agricultural income). The citrus belt spans Central Florida including Polk, DeSoto, Highlands, and Hendry counties. DeSoto County produced 12.8 million boxes (2019 data), Polk 12.5 million, and Highlands 10.8 million. Hendry County maintains 33,313 acres of Valencia oranges (15.6% of state total). The harvest season runs October through May, providing extended seasonal employment when many other agricultural regions are dormant. Despite industry challenges, citrus operations still employ thousands of workers in grove caretaking, harvest, packinghouse operations, irrigation, and pest management. Research continues through University of Florida IFAS and citrus research centers seeking greening-resistant varieties and management strategies. Some growers are diversifying into other crops (blueberries, vegetables, cattle) while maintaining reduced citrus operations. For farmworkers, citrus harvest remains a significant seasonal opportunity with established employment networks, though the industry's long-term outlook depends on successful disease management solutions.
Why does Florida have the most H-2A workers in the nation?
Florida leads all U.S. states with 60,867 approved H-2A temporary agricultural workers in FY2023, more than doubling from 25,000 in 2017. This dominance stems from multiple factors unique to Florida agriculture. First, the year-round growing season and counter-seasonal production create massive labor demand when workers are less available elsewhere—Florida harvests winter vegetables, strawberries, and citrus November through May when northern agricultural regions are dormant and workers typically unemployed. Second, Florida's labor-intensive crops require hand-harvesting: strawberries (16,200 acres), tomatoes (24,000 acres), peppers, beans, citrus (hand-picked for fresh market), and specialty vegetables cannot be mechanically harvested. Third, the state's 300+ specialty crops create diverse, year-round opportunities attracting workers seeking continuous employment rather than single-season positions. Fourth, Florida's established H-2A infrastructure includes experienced labor contractors, approved housing facilities, transportation networks, and employer familiarity with program compliance, making it efficient for farms to participate. Fifth, domestic worker shortages persist despite competitive wages—the state's 2.5 million agriculture-related jobs exceed local labor supply, particularly during peak seasons when multiple crops harvest simultaneously (winter vegetables, strawberries, citrus all peak December-March). The H-2A program provides workers with $16.23/hour wages (2025), free housing meeting federal standards, transportation, and guaranteed work hours. For workers, Florida offers advantages: warmer winter working conditions than northern states, potential for extended seasonal employment (9-10 months) due to year-round production, and pathways to return annually to established employers. The 10% wage increase in 2025 reflects Florida's minimum wage law rising $1/year until reaching $15/hour in 2026, making H-2A positions increasingly competitive and further driving program participation.
What housing and support services are available for Florida farm workers?
Florida farm workers have access to multiple housing and support programs, though availability varies by employment type and region. H-2A workers (60,867 in Florida, most in U.S.) receive federally mandated free housing provided by employers and inspected to meet federal standards, typically including dormitory-style or mobile home accommodations with utilities, cooking facilities, and transportation to/from worksites and home countries. Many large agricultural operations—particularly in remote areas like Belle Glade (sugarcane), Immokalee (tomatoes), and rural Hendry County—provide on-site housing ranging from basic dormitories to family units, often free or subsidized rent. The Florida Farmworker Career Development Program offers comprehensive services: housing assistance, career development training, emergency stabilization services, job placement, and support for transitioning to year-round positions. The National Farmworker Jobs Program provides grants ($6.5+ million available in 2024) for permanent and temporary housing services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and dependents. Florida Non-Profit Housing serves as Department of Labor agent providing rent and utilities payment assistance for temporary and emergency situations. Year-round outreach workers operate in significant agricultural regions connecting workers to housing resources. CareerSource centers statewide provide farmworker-specific employment services and emergency assistance. Southeast TOPP offers free mentorship and transition support for workers entering organic agriculture. Common employer-provided benefits include crew transportation to/from fields, meals or kitchen facilities, tools and protective equipment, workers' compensation insurance, and on-the-job training. Career advancement programs help seasonal workers develop skills for higher-wage positions: agricultural equipment operation, irrigation specialist certifications, pest management licenses, and greenhouse/nursery technical roles. The nursery sector ($4.55+ billion, year-round operations) provides pathways from field work to propagation, growing, and management positions. However, housing availability remains tighter in urban-adjacent agricultural areas (South Florida, Tampa Bay) where development pressure limits farmworker housing supply, making employer-provided housing a significant benefit when available.