Florida employers need to prepare for a minimum wage hike to $15 an hour on September 30. And if you have tipped employees, you’ll need to pay them at least $11.98. This is the last of the annual increases voters approved in 2020. We’ll tell you what’s changing and the steps you should consider taking now to comply.
Here’s What’s New
In November 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that gradually increases the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour for most non-exempt employees by 2026. Notably, the tip credit for Florida hospitality employers that claim it will remain $3.02 per hour, which means you’ll have to cover the extra dollar for tipped employees, too.
The state’s hourly minimum wage increased from $8.65 to $10 in 2021 and has been rising by $1.00 each year on September 30. This September brings the final increase and the following minimum wage requirements:
Potential Penalties
All Florida employers are required to comply with the new minimum wage requirement. If an employee is not paid at the required rate, they could be entitled to recover back wages plus damages and attorneys’ fees and costs under the state’s wage theft law and the Florida Minimum Wage Act. In addition, employers found liable for intentionally violating minimum wage requirements could be subject to a $1,000 fine per violation.
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