Florida is celebrating because starting today, September 30, the minimum wage will rise from 13 to 14 dollars per hour! And the best part is that the measure will benefit both those who do not receive tips and employees in sectors where a large part of income depends on customers. For waiters and other similar jobs, the base pay will go from 9.98 to 10.98 dollars, with the guarantee that, adding tips, they will never earn less than 14 dollars per hour. Finally, one more step closer to eliminating low-paid jobs!
Approved years ago
Yes, since 2020 this possibility has been studied through a constitutional amendment. In 2021, the minimum wage in Florida was increased by one dollar, and it was planned to go up one per year, reaching 15 dollars in 2026 (that is what is expected). And once that moment is reached, the figure will be automatically adjusted according to inflation at that time, which will give a little more security and predictability to workers.
What changes for tipped workers?
Those who depend on tips will be “protected” with this new adjustment, because the base salary will be 10.98 per hour, just as we told you at the beginning of the article, the best part is that if tips do not reach 14$, the employer is legally required to cover the difference, this way they make sure workers never earn less than those 14$ per hour.
More income in times of high prices
For workers who do not receive tips, the change is a bit simpler, one more dollar for each hour worked. More margin to pay for food, housing or transportation right now when everything seems more expensive than ever, one more dollar per hour is noticeable, believe me. Of course, it is not the solution to all economic problems, but it is a boost for those living a bit tighter.
The challenge for businesses
It is the law and it is time to adjust payrolls, update the posters about the minimum wage in workplaces and make sure that absolutely all salaries receive the minimum wage specified in the law.
In the case of tipped employees, it will be key to show transparently how the total pay is calculated between the base salary and what customers leave, perhaps this will be the most complicated part…
What workers should watch
Starting September 30, employees should review their pay stubs. If you work with tips, you have to keep a much stricter record of your income to check that your boss complies with the law and that you reach the guaranteed minimum. If it does not happen, do not hesitate to take action, what corresponds to you is approved by law.
More than a raise
Increasing the wage, yes, but also moving toward a fairer system, especially in jobs that are very precarious and where workers spend many hours sometimes without logging them, as is the case in hospitality. For employers it will be a bigger expense, but they will have more motivated employees thanks to their paycheck, less turnover and we are sure that, in the long run, it will be good for local economies.
14 dollars that will be 15 next year. A little more for each worker to fight inflation, on the way to a fairer world for all workers, especially for those who depend on tips!