Changes on Florida workers’ paychecks! The minimum wage of the state will increase again, as part of the plan passed in 2020 to gradually increase employees’ income. From September 30 of this year, the minimum wage in Florida will be $1 more which will reach $15 per hour in 2026. So, let’s find out more about this change.
New minimum wage
Save the date because from September 30, every hourly worker in Florida must receive $14 per hour minimum, if they don’t receive any tips. This means an increase in comparison to the current $13.
In the case of workers who receive tips, their base payment will be higher, going from $9.98 to $10.98 per hour. The law establishes that, adding tips plus the base payment, the total amount should be less than the general minimum wage ($14.00). If workers don’t get this amount, the employer is obligated to cover the difference.
This way, every worker, with or without tips, has the same hourly minimum guaranteed.
Why is the minimum wage higher?
This increase is part of the Amendment 2, passed by voters in Florida in November of 2020. This Amendment establishes that the minimum wage has to be $1 more each September 30 until reaching $15 per hour in 2026.
After that date, increments won’t be fixed, but they will be adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will protect salaries workers’ purchasing power so their earnings do not lose value over time.
When will you see this on your paycheck?
The important date is September 30 of this year and since then:
- Workers receiving no tips must earn at least $14 per hour.
- Workers receiving tips must earn at least $10.98 per hour, and their total income (base + tips) should be the same or higher than $14 èr hour.
It’s recommended that every employee check their first paycheck after this date to confirm the increase has been applied correctly.
Workers’ rights
If you work in Florida, you should pay attention to this:
- Your paycheck after September 30, 2025 must reflect the updated minimum wage if you are covered by the law.
- If you receive tips, confirm that your base pay plus tips equals at least $14 per hour.
- If your pay does not meet the required minimum, you can raise the issue with your employer or payroll department. If it is not corrected, Florida law provides legal options to claim the missing wages.
Basically, this increase is a right and your employer is obligated to respect it.
Employers’ responsibilities
For companies, this increase means that:
- Payroll systems must be updated before September 30, 2025 to reflect the new hourly amounts.
- Employers are legally required to post the official state minimum wage notice in a visible location in the workplace so all employees are aware of their rights.
Failing to comply can involve them in legal consequences and complaints from workers.
Toward $15
Florida is improving step by step until reaching those $15 per hour, a goal that will be achieved on September 30 in 2026. The $14 increase in 2025 is the second-to-last step of the process. After 2026, this adjustment will be based on inflation, which means that the minimum wage could increase or stay stable. However, this will always be done with the intention to protect workers’ purchasing power.
Remember that the minimum wage is not one more figure, it’s the reflection of the balance between the right to a fair payment and the economic sustainability in Florida. So, pay attention to your next paycheck and see if this change was properly applied to you.