With so many laws and requirements, keeping up with any state's latest minimum wage rates can be challenging. Florida's minimum wage, in particular, can be a bit confusing. While it's currently $12.00 per hour for non-tipped employees, Florida began raising its wage rate by $1.00 every September 30 since 2021.
Whether you're an employer with a small business or just an employee looking into the new wage for tipped employees, we've created a simple guide to answer common questions surrounding Florida's minimum wage rate.
What is the minimum wage in Florida?
The 2024 minimum wage in Florida is $12.00 per hour before September 30, 2024. It will increase to $13.00 per hour after September 30, 2024, $14.00 after September 2025, and $15.00 after September 2026. The $1.00 increase will occur every year after September 30 until 2026.
The gradual increase to the state's minimum wage rate came into effect in 2020 after Florida voters approved Amendment 2 to the state's constitution. Florida voters also approved that the state minimum wage will be adjusted annually for inflation for 2027.
Yearly Florida minimum wage increases
Since Florida's minimum wage will receive several increases over the next few years, we've created a convenient table that lists the different changes, especially for tipped employees. Each new minimum wage increase occurs after September 30 every year.
According to state wage and hour laws, an employer must display labor law posters in an accessible area so employees can stay updated on the state and federal minimum wages. Florida employers who refuse to showcase the correct posters violate the state minimum wage laws.
Is the minimum wage in Florida the same as the federal minimum wage?
No, the Florida minimum wage rates and the federal minimum wage rates are not the same. In 2024, the Florida minimum wage was higher than the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25. After September 30, the minimum wage rate in Florida will increase to $13.00 per hour, while the federal minimum wage will remain at $7.25 per hour. According to the Department of Labor webpage, the current federal minimum wage will not change anytime soon.
Do minimum wage laws in Florida apply to all employers?
Florida's minimum wage requirements apply to all employees. However, there are a few exceptions to the normal minimum wage rate. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, certain exemptions apply to employees working for certain establishments and in certain occupations.
For example, a business may be exempt from standard minimum wage laws if it operates seasonally (less than nine months out of the year) or is considered a recreational establishment. We recommend that curious readers do more research on their own for the full details on exemptions.
What is the minimum wage for tipped employees in Florida?
In 2024, the current tipped minimum wage in Florida is $8.98 per hour for eligible tipped employees. Once the overall minimum wage in Florida increases to $13.00, this rate will increase to $9.98 per hour after September 30, 2024. Non-tipped employees still receive the overall minimum wage rate that year without subtracting the tip credit amount of $3.02.
According to the Florida Commerce website, employers can calculate the minimum wage in Florida for tipped employees by subtracting the $3.02 tip credit from that year's current minimum wage rate.
Here is a simplified formula to calculate the tipped minimum wage in Florida:
Is there pay for overtime hours in Florida?
Yes, Florida employers must pay employees 1.5x the hourly state minimum wage rate if they work over 40 hours per week. Unlike other states, Florida does not have any state-specific overtime requirements. That means the state must pay overtime wages according to the federal government's Fair Labor Standards Act standards.
Keep your business compliant with minimum wage laws
As a business owner, you know that changing labor laws can upend your entire workday. While a bit of change to how you dole out wages for employees might seem like little, keeping track of all the numbers beyond the ones typed into a calculator can get tedious. And we all know how one small mistake can snowball into delays and headaches.
Technology can ensure you aren't spending extra time crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' after closing for the day. With SpotOn's point-of-sale software, you can quickly streamline your data and time, all while remaining labor-compliant. And with SpotOn Teamwork, You can manage your schedule and tip-outs without stress, automate your payroll within minutes, and more, all through one central hub.
Want to learn more about the minimum wages in different states? Check out our different minimum wage guides below:
- Texas Minimum Wage Guide
- Michigan Minimum Wage Guide
- California Minimum Wage Guide
- Illinois Minimum Wage Guide
- New York Minimum Wage Guide
DISCLAIMER: Everything here is just for informational purposes. The links and graphics may not be accurate and we encourage you to do your own research. Also, we can't guarantee results from following our advice. Always consult a professional for your specific situation.
