The federal minimum wage of $7.25 has not increased since July 24, 2009 according to the United States Department of Labor’s website. Each state is allowed to have its own minimum wage that is more than the federal minimum wage.
All employees who work in Florida are entitled to receive the applicable Florida Minimum Wage. While employers are allowed to pay their employees more than the minimum wage, there are only a few types of employees who can be paid less than the minimum wage.
The minimum wage in Florida for calendar year 2020 is $8.56 per hour.
The Florida Minimum Wage will eventually reach $15 per hour on September 21, 2026. This increase in the Florida Minimum Wage is the result of Amendment 2 to the Florida Constitution passing after being approved by over 60% of the voters in Florida on November 3, 2020.
The first increase in the Florida Minimum Wage will take place on January 1, 2021, when the Florida Minimum Wage rate will go from $8.56 per hour to $8.65 per hour. This increase was a scheduled one, meaning that it was not related to the approval of the Constitutional Amendment.
The Florida Minimum Wage will then increase for a second time during 2021 on September 30, 2021, as a result of Amendment 2, when the Florida Minimum Wage will jump to $10 per hour. For each of the next five years, the Florida Minimum Wage will increase by $1.
The Florida Minimum Wage goes to $11 per hour on September 30, 2022.
The Florida Minimum Wage goes to $12 per hour on September 30, 2023.
The Florida Minimum Wage goes to $13 per hour on September 30, 2024.
The Florida Minimum Wage goes to $14 per hour on September 30, 2025.
The Florida Minimum Wage goes to $15 per hour on September 30, 2026.
The new increases in the Florida Minimum Wage that will occur as a result of Amendment 2 are sure to have a significant impact on both employers and on employees. By way of example, the increased Florida Minimum Wage will also require an increase in the overtime rate that employees receive when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The increased Florida Minimum Wage will impact the amount that employees paid on commission must receive each week.
The FairLaw Firm is familiar with the issues that can and will result from the increase in the Florida Minimum Wage. We continue to offer free initial telephone and digital initial intakes, as well as video conference consultations and client meetings. Contact us now to see how we can help you.
