This Monday, the increase in the minimum wage in Florida goes into effect. The minimum pay will rise from $12 to $13 an hour, while for tipped workers, the increase will be from $8.98 to $9.89 an hour.
With this measure - which several states in the country are adopting - the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL) aims for workers to cope with annual inflation and the rising cost of living through a gradual increase plan.
In the case of Florida, in September 2025 workers will have another increase to 14 dollars an hour, while for those who receive tips the increase will be to 10.89 dollars an hour.
In 2026, Florida's minimum wage is expected to finally be set at 15 dollars an hour for all workers.
In November 2020, 60% of Florida voters approved the amendment to gradually increase the minimum wage in the state.
As has happened each year since the approval of Amendment 2 to the state constitution, Florida's minimum wage will increase by one dollar until it is adjusted for annual inflation starting in 2027.
Employers must pay their employees the state minimum wage for all hours worked. Those who do not receive the minimum wage can file a civil action against their employer or anyone who violates Florida's minimum wage law.
The amendment argues that the $15 an hour wage will remain in effect until December 31, 2027. Indexed increases based on inflation will begin in 2028.
This staggered increase aims to provide a continuous improvement in the income of Florida workers, ensuring that their wages retain their value against inflation and the cost of living in the state.
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not changed since 2009. However, more than 30 states have their minimum wages above that value.
In 2019, a total of 22 states in the United States raised their minimum wages.
Before the November 2020 vote that approved the gradual increase of the minimum wage in Florida, the last time Floridians voted to approve a minimum wage increase in the state was in 2005, when it was raised from $5.15 to $6.15 an hour.
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