Pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Ohio: agritourism liability protection

What the cited source says

The definition is broad enough to name recreational and entertainment activity, but pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, and hayrides are not listed in this section.

Human content review

There is no attorney or subject-matter expert review recorded for this guide. The person responsible for this guide, its completed human content-review date, and its next review due date are not recorded.

Source retrieval dates identify the saved copies; they are not human content-review dates or publication approval. Check the current official text and the guide’s scope before relying on it. How to assess a guide.

Official sources

Ohio Revised Code § 901.80 — Immunity from liability for agritourism providers

Ohio Revised Code § 901.80

Read official source ↗

Retrieved August 13, 2026

Ohio official source · Local rules not included

Important conditions

Whether the actual activity fits the definitions, plus traffic, fire, temporary structures, food, sanitation, and local permits.

Relevant provisions

DefinitionThe section defines agritourism as an agriculturally related educational, entertainment, historical, cultural, or recreational activity—including you-pick operations or farm markets—conducted on a qualifying farm that invites the public. Ohio Rev. Code § 901.80(A)(2)-(4)

Inherent risksThe listed risks include land conditions, specified wild and domestic animal behavior, ordinary farm structures or equipment, illness from animal contact or contamination, and participant negligence. § 901.80(A)(6)

Liability ruleThe section states that an agritourism provider is immune for harm resulting from a risk inherent in an agritourism activity. § 901.80(B)

ExceptionsThe section lists willful or wanton disregard, purposeful harm, criminal conduct, failure to post required signs, and certain undisclosed dangerous conditions. § 901.80(C)

Warning signThe provider must post and maintain the statutory warning at or near each entrance or at each activity site, in black letters at least one inch high. § 901.80(D)

What this source does not answer

The source does not determine whether a particular parcel meets the statutory farm definition.
It does not resolve local zoning, buildings, fire, food, alcohol, accessibility, traffic, permits, insurance, or separate activity statutes.
No judicial decisions or fact-specific eligibility were reviewed.

Build a research checklist for this activity

What to check next

Traffic and parking
Fire and temporary structures
Food and sanitation requirements
Local event permits

Report a correction