Florida's Minimum Wage: What You Need to Know

Are you living in Florida and looking for information about the state's minimum wage? Whether you're an employer or an employee, it's important to understand the laws surrounding minimum wage so you can avoid any legal issues.

Did you know that Florida's minimum wage increased on January 1, 2021? This means that if you're earning minimum wage, you may see a bump in your paycheck this year. But how much of an increase can you expect?

If you're curious about the specifics of Florida's minimum wage laws, from who is eligible to receive minimum wage to how much employers are required to pay, keep reading. We've compiled all the information you need to stay informed and compliant with state law.

Don't let confusion about minimum wage leave you scratching your head. By understanding Florida's laws, you'll be able to protect both yourself and your business. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

Introduction

Living in Florida and interested in understanding the state's minimum wage laws? Whether you're an employer or employee, it is crucial to comprehend these laws to avoid legal repercussions.

What to Know About Florida's Minimum Wage Increase in 2021

In 2021, the minimum wage in Florida increased. Employees earning the minimum wage will see a rise in their paycheck this year. In this paragraph, we'll discuss how much the increase is and what it means for workers and business owners alike.

The minimum wage in Florida was increased from $8.56 to $8.65 per hour. This means that if you are currently making minimum wage, you can expect a 9-cent raise in your hourly pay rate. This might not seem like a significant amount, but it can add up, particularly over time. The rise in minimum wage should lift some of the burden off low-wage workers' shoulders and provide them greater economic stability.

As an employer, it is essential to note that the cost of wages has gone up with the change in the minimum wage. Employers must ensure they are aware of the new minimum wage requirements and adjust their employees' wages accordingly to remain compliant with state law.

Who is Eligible for Florida's Minimum Wage?

Not everyone is eligible for Florida's minimum wage. This paragraph will break down who is entitled to the state's minimum wage and who is not.

In the state of Florida, all employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must receive at least the federal minimum wage. Some employees, though, may earn less than the minimum wage when specific policies apply. For instance, employees under the age of 20 can be paid $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of work.

If a worker is not covered by the FLSA, they are not protected by Florida's minimum wage law. This means that some independent contractors, trainees or apprentices, and employees of small businesses may not earn Florida's minimum wage.

How Much Are Employers Required to Pay?

Employers are required by state law to pay their employees a minimum wage in the state of Florida. This paragraph discusses how much employers are required to pay, what tips and gratuities have to do with minimum wage, and how overtime works.

In compliance with Florida's minimum wage laws, employers must pay their employees at a rate of $8.65 per hour. If employees' tips and gratuities don't bring their wages up to the state's minimum, employers must make up the difference. Furthermore, Florida has specific requirements for overtime pay.

For any hours worked over 40 hours in one workweek, employers must compensate their employees at a rate of 1.5 times their hourly wage. This calculation incorporates tips earned on the job, but it does not account for bonuses, vacation pay, or holiday pay.

Florida Versus Federal Minimum Wage

In this section, we will compare Florida's minimum wage versus the federal minimum wage.

As shown in the table above, Florida's minimum wage exceeds the federal minimum wage. While the federal minimum wage has been stagnant in recent years, Florida regularly increases its minimum wage rate to account for inflation and rising costs.

Conclusion

Understanding the laws surrounding minimum wage is crucial for both employers and employees. By remaining informed and up to date on minimum wage laws, you can avoid legal issues and protect yourself from harm. Refer back to this article when seeking information about Florida's minimum wage laws. With this knowledge, you'll be able to ensure compliant and fair wages for yourself or your employees.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article on Florida's Minimum Wage. We hope that you were able to gain a better understanding of what minimum wage is and how it affects both employees and employers in Florida.

As we have discussed, Florida's minimum wage is currently $8.56 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. It is important to note that this minimum wage may change each year based on inflation, which means it could increase or decrease slightly.

We encourage you to stay informed about minimum wage laws in Florida and to advocate for fair wages for all workers. By understanding and supporting these laws, we can help create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to earn a living wage.

People Also Ask about Florida's Minimum Wage: What You Need to Know

1. What is Florida's current minimum wage?
• As of January 1, 2021, Florida's minimum wage is $8.65 per hour.
2. Will Florida's minimum wage increase in the future?
• Yes, Florida voters approved Amendment 2 in November 2020 which will gradually increase the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026. The first increase will take effect on September 30, 2021, when the minimum wage will increase to $10 per hour.
3. Are there any exemptions to Florida's minimum wage requirements?
• Yes, certain employees may be exempt from Florida's minimum wage laws, such as tipped employees who receive at least $30 per month in tips and agricultural workers.
4. Can employers pay employees less than the minimum wage?
• No, it is illegal for employers to pay employees less than the minimum wage in Florida.
5. How do I report an employer who is not paying the minimum wage?
• You can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.