State lawmakers propose expanding workforce housing for legal farmworkers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, recently filed similar bills for the upcoming legislative session aiming to increase housing for legal farmworkers in in Florida’s agricultural industry, according to a press release.

Through SB 1082 and HB 1051, farmworkers looking for seasonal work would be better accommodated with safe housing. The legislation also addresses worker shortages by improving long-term sustainability of state agriculture, a press release said.

The proposal was advocated for by the Florida Ag Coalition.

“Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers have faced a series of challenges in recent years, key among them is a shortage in workforce due to limited housing ability,” Florida Ag Coalition Chairman Jim Spratt said in a press release.

Demand in housing, caused by Florida’s population growth, have resulted in a shortage of 5,000 homes for prospective workers in Hillsborough County alone, according to the release. Approximately 200,000 farm workers travel to Florida for seasonal work each year.

Furthermore, prices have soared due to the state’s population increase.

“We’re grateful to Commissioner Simpson, Senator Collins, and Representative Tuck for leading the charge to help us expand housing options, strengthen our workforce and continue to provide the food and fiber on which our nation depends,” Spratt said.

Florida land is covered by 47,500 farms, or nearly 10 million acres, according to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services data. The state’s biggest industry is oranges, totaling $670 million in economic value.

Additionally, 42% of U.S value in oranges is produced in Florida, with Valencia Oranges specifically accounting for 73%. The state also supplements 54% of fresh market tomatoes and 36% of sweet corn and watermelon to the nation, producing $400 million in revenue.

Floriculture sales also topped $1 billion, or 17% of U.S. value.