Florida industries are grappling with growing labor shortages as immigration enforcement intensifies across the state. With foreign-born workers making up a significant share of the workforce in agriculture, hospitality, and construction, businesses are struggling to keep operations running smoothly. ICE raids and fears of detentions are worsening the crisis, leaving projects delayed, farms understaffed, and hotel services stretched thin.
Read:ICE Agents Tied Us Up and Pointed Guns, South Korean Workers Reveal
Foreign-Born Workforce Impact
A recent study by Luxury Link revealed that 42.8% of Florida’s hotel employees are foreign-born. This reliance extends beyond hospitality, with agriculture and construction equally dependent on immigrant labor. As ICE enforcement has ramped up, many workers are either being detained or avoiding worksites altogether, creating ripple effects across critical industries.
Also read:Latino Families Crushed By Fear As ICE Raids Escalate In California
Construction Sites Disrupted
In late May 2025, an ICE raid in Tallahassee led to the arrest of more than 100 undocumented construction workers. Contractors have since reported major disruptions, with many employees refusing to show up out of fear. Projects face costly delays, subcontractors struggle to fill roles, and wage demands are rising as available workers shrink. The uncertainty is putting immense pressure on Florida’s building sector…