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Florida’s seasonal job market is massive. Every year, thousands of people work temporary jobs in agriculture, construction, hospitality, tourism, and retail. These jobs help fuel the state’s economy, but many of them are risky. When a seasonal worker gets hurt, the question becomes urgent: Are they covered by workers’ compensation?
At Sternberg | Forsythe P.A., our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers help injured workers take action. If you are unsure of your rights, we can help you get the answers and support you need.
Who Is Eligible For Workers’ Compensation In Florida?
Florida’s Coverage Rules
Florida law requires most businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The rules depend on the industry:
- Construction companies must provide coverage if they have 1 or more employees
- Non-construction businesses must provide coverage if they have 4 or more employees
- Agricultural operations must provide coverage if they employ 6 regular workers or 12 or more seasonal workers for more than 30 days
These requirements apply to full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. The key factor is whether you are classified as an employee and on the payroll. If you receive a W-2, you are likely covered.
Independent contractors are not typically covered. However, some employers mislabel workers to avoid providing benefits. If that happens to you, talk to a workers’ comp attorney in Florida immediately.
What Types Of Benefits Can Seasonal Workers Receive?
If you are injured while working a seasonal job and you qualify for workers’ comp, you may be entitled to:
- Medical care, including hospital stays, rehab, and prescriptions
- Mileage reimbursement for traveling to appointments
- Temporary disability payments while you recover
- Permanent impairment benefits if you cannot return to work
- Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal cases
Florida workers’ compensation benefits apply regardless of how long you were on the job. Even if your position lasted only a few weeks, you still have the same rights as other employees.
Common Work Injuries Among Seasonal Employees
Seasonal jobs often involve dangerous tasks, long hours, and limited training. These conditions increase injury risks across many industries.
Most Frequent Injuries Reported
- Heat exhaustion and sunstroke, especially in agriculture
- Cuts, burns, and broken bones from machinery
- Back and joint injuries from heavy lifting
- Falls on slick or uneven surfaces
- Strain from repetitive motion
- Vehicle accidents during work transport or deliveries
Whether you were picking fruit in Central Florida, working in a beach resort in Palm Beach County, or driving a delivery truck in Orlando, you may be eligible for benefits if you were hurt while working.
How Misclassification Can Impact Your Claim
Some employers try to avoid responsibility by misclassifying seasonal workers as independent contractors. This is a serious problem in Florida.
What You Need To Know
- Independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ comp
- Some employers misclassify workers to save money
- Florida law uses specific tests to determine if you are truly a contractor
- If your job duties, schedule, or control show you were treated like an employee, you may still qualify
Our legal team investigates employment records, work responsibilities, and how much control your employer had over your job. We have helped many clients overturn denials based on misclassification.
How Fast Do You Need To Act After An Injury?
Time limits apply to all workers’ compensation claims in Florida, including for seasonal workers.
Critical Deadlines
- You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days
- You must file a workers’ comp claim within 2 years
- If your injury developed over time, the clock starts when symptoms become clear
If you miss a deadline, your claim could be rejected. A Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file everything correctly and on time.
What Happens If Your Employer Denies Coverage?
Some employers tell seasonal workers they are not covered. Others refuse to file claims or ignore injury reports.
Steps You Can Take
- Gather all evidence of your employment
- Save pay stubs, schedules, texts, or emails
- Get medical attention immediately and document everything
- Contact a work injury attorney in Florida to take legal action
Our team at Sternberg | Forsythe P.A. knows how to hold employers accountable. We do not let businesses cut corners on your rights.
Can You Get Benefits If You Are From Out Of State?
Seasonal workers often travel from other states to work in Florida. Residency does not affect your right to file a claim.
What Matters Most
- If your injury happened while working in Florida, state law applies
- You do not need to be a Florida resident to qualify
- You can file a claim even if you return home after the season ends
Our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers assist out-of-state workers who were injured on Florida job sites. We can handle your case while you recover at home.
Why Choose Sternberg | Forsythe P.A.?
We understand how complex workers’ compensation can be for seasonal employees. Our firm brings a strong combination of legal experience and personalized service.
What You Can Expect From Us
- Clear answers about your eligibility
- Aggressive pursuit of denied or delayed claims
- Full management of paperwork and deadlines
- A team that listens and takes your case seriously
- No fee unless we win compensation for you
Our goal is to make sure you are not left behind. You worked hard during the season. Let us work hard for you now.
Talk To A Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Seasonal workers injured on the job deserve answers and action. Florida law offers strong protections, but only if you take the right steps.
If you were injured during seasonal work, speak with a workers’ comp attorney in Florida today. Sternberg | Forsythe P.A. offers free consultations and no upfront fees.
Call now or fill out our contact form to start your claim. We are ready to help you move forward.
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