(FLORIDA)- For thousands of H-2A workers who travel to the United States each year, wages are the foundation of why the journey is worth it. Your earnings support your family, your community, and your future. That’s why understanding your wage rights under the H-2A program is essential. These protections were created to ensure that workers are paid fairly, treated with dignity, and not taken advantage of. When you understand how your pay is supposed to work — from the hourly rate to deductions to piece-rate rules — you are better prepared to recognize when something isn’t right and take steps to protect yourself.

You Must Be Paid the Required H-2A Wage

The amount of money you have to earn as a H-2A worker is $14 per hour, effective date October 2, 2025. The adverse compensation adjustment may not be applied to reduce the compensation of H-2A workers below the state minimum wage. If you are not receiving the correct salary, contact an attorney.

This wage is not optional. Employers cannot pay less, even if:

• You agreed to a lower rate before arriving
• You are paid by the piece
• The employer says “everyone else gets paid this way”
• The employer claims the work is “easier” or “slower”

Your Paid Time Starts When You Arrive at the Jobsite

Many workers lose wages simply because they don’t know when the clock should start.

Your paid time begins the moment you arrive at the jobsite — not when the first task begins, not after a meeting, and not after waiting for instructions.

Your paid time ends when you leave the jobsite.

The only time that is not paid is:

• Your lunch break
• Any unpaid break clearly stated in your contract

If you are waiting for tools, waiting for instructions, or waiting for weather to clear at the jobsite, that time must be paid.

Your Employer Cannot Make Unauthorized Deductions

Your employer may only deduct items that are listed in your contract and allowed by law.

Unauthorized deductions may include:

• Transportation fees
• Equipment charges
• Housing fees
• Meal charges not listed in the contract
• “Fines” or “penalties”
• Charges for tools or gloves
• Charges for uniforms

If it’s not in your contract, it cannot be deducted.

You Must Receive a Paystub Every Pay Period

Every paycheck must come with a written paystub that clearly shows:

• Total hours worked
• Hourly rate
• Piece rate (if applicable)
• Number of pieces (if applicable)
• All deductions
• Total pay
• Pay period dates

A missing or unclear paystub is often the first sign of wage violations.

Why Wage Protections Matter

These wage rules exist to ensure that:

• Workers are paid fairly
• Employers cannot undercut wages
• Workers are not exploited
• The U.S. labor market remains stable
• H-2A workers can support their families

When wage rules are followed, everyone benefits. Understanding your wage rights is one of the most powerful tools you have as an H-2A worker. When you know the correct hourly rate, how your time should be counted, and what deductions are allowed, you can better protect yourself from wage theft or unfair treatment.

If something doesn’t look right — whether it’s your paystub, your hours, or unexpected deductions — you don’t have to handle it alone. Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) provides free legal services for qualified farmworkers statewide, and our team is here to help you understand your rights and take action if needed. You work hard, and you deserve to be paid correctly.

1-888-582-3410 Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.