San Joaquin County Farm Labor Contractor Registration: Everything You Need to Know
If you`re a farm labor contractor operating in San Joaquin County, you must be registered with the county`s Agricultural Commissioner`s Office. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to hefty fines and even legal action.
In this article, we`ll go over everything you need to know about San Joaquin County farm labor contractor registration.
Why is Registration Required?
The registration process serves as a means of ensuring that farm labor contractors operating in San Joaquin County comply with California`s labor laws and regulations. The Agricultural Commissioner`s Office handles the registration process to help protect workers from exploitation.
Who Needs to Register?
Anyone who recruits, solicits, hires, employs, or furnishes labor to perform agricultural work in San Joaquin County must register as a farm labor contractor. This includes individuals, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and any other business entity providing farm labor services.
The registration requirement applies to both in-state and out-of-state contractors who provide services in San Joaquin County.
How to Register
The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner`s Office oversees the registration process. To register, you must complete the following steps:
1. Obtain a Surety Bond
You must obtain a surety bond in the amount of $25,000 and have it filed with the Agricultural Commissioner`s Office. The bond serves as a guarantee that you`ll comply with California`s labor laws and regulations.
2. Submit the Application
Complete the farm labor contractor registration application and return it to the Agricultural Commissioner`s Office along with the following supporting documents:
– A copy of your surety bond
– Proof of workers` compensation insurance
– A copy of your federal employer identification number (FEIN)
– A copy of your state payroll tax account number
– A list of all your business locations
3. Pay the Fee
The registration fee for farm labor contractors in San Joaquin County is $550. You must pay this fee when you submit your application.
What Happens After You Register?
After you`ve completed the registration process, you`ll receive a farm labor contractor certificate. You must keep this certificate with you at all times when providing farm labor services in San Joaquin County.
The Agricultural Commissioner`s Office may conduct inspections to ensure that you`re complying with California`s labor laws and regulations. These inspections may include interviews with workers, audits of payroll and wage records, and on-site visits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to register as a farm labor contractor in San Joaquin County can lead to significant penalties. Violations can result in fines of up to $10,000 per offense, as well as criminal prosecution in some cases.
Conclusion
If you`re a farm labor contractor providing services in San Joaquin County, it`s crucial that you register with the Agricultural Commissioner`s Office. This process ensures that you`re complying with California`s labor laws and regulations and helps protect workers from exploitation.
To register, you must obtain a $25,000 surety bond, submit the registration application along with supporting documents, and pay the $550 registration fee. Once you`ve received your farm labor contractor certificate, you must keep it with you at all times when providing farm labor services in San Joaquin County.
