Lazaro Aleman
news@greenepublishing.com
Effective Monday, Sept. 30, Florida’s minimum wage will go up a dollar, from the current hourly rate of $12 to $13, part of a constitutional amendment approved by the state’s voters in 2020.
The amendment requires that Florida’s minimum wage be increased by a dollar on Sept. 30, of each year until reaching the goal of $15 hourly in 2026. At the time of the initiative, the minimum rate was $8.65, which leapt to $10 hourly in 2021. Prior to 2021, the last amendment to the minimum wage had been in 2008, when it was raised by $4.44, from $4.21 hourly to $8.65.
As required by the amendment, the minimum wage is scheduled to go up to $14 in 2025 and reach $15 on Sept. 30, 2026. In 2028, the minimum wage will resume the increases, but the changes will be dependent on the Consumer Price Index.
Meanwhile, workers in the restaurant and other industries that receive tips will see their minimum rate rise to $9.98 hourly, with the difference made up in tips. They also are slated to receive annual minimum wage increases until reaching $11.98 hourly in 2026.
By law, employers are allowed to pay tipped workers at a lower rate than the state or federal minimum standard (whichever is the highest), so long as the employees make up the difference in tips. Otherwise, employers are required to ensure these workers get the minimum wage.
The minimum wage increases are in response to the ever-increasing cost of living in Florida, which has reportedly seen some of the largest increases in food, gas and housing costs.