Florida’s workers are set to see another rise in their pay as the state continues its step-by-step journey towards a $15 minimum wage.
This change, approved by voters back in 2020 through a constitutional amendment led by attorney John Morgan, ensures that every September 30, the minimum wage increases by one dollar until it reaches the $15 mark in 2026. After that, wages will be adjusted every year based on inflation.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Hike Explained
Since 2021, the state has been adding one dollar to the hourly wage each year. From September 30, 2025, the minimum wage for most workers will rise from $13 to $14 per hour.
For tipped employees, like restaurant servers, the base pay goes up from $9.98 to $10.98 per hour. However, tips plus base pay must equal at least $14 per hour. If tips fall short, the employer has to cover the gap.
Why Florida is Raising the Minimum Wage
There are several reasons behind this steady rise:
- Legal compliance: Florida law now requires annual increases until the $15 target is reached.
- Cost of living: With inflation and higher prices for food, rent, and transport, $13 no longer stretches far enough.
- Fairness for tipped workers: The rise in base pay makes sure those relying on tips are not left behind.
Impact on Workers and Employers
- Workers without tips: From September 30, they will earn at least $14 an hour, giving them more money to handle everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing.
- Tipped employees: Their base wage moves to $10.98, but their overall earnings (base plus tips) must total at least $14 per hour. Employers must fill the gap if tips are insufficient.
How Employers Should Prepare
- Update minimum wage posters in the workplace.
- Adjust payroll systems to match the new rates.
- Clearly show tipped staff how their pay is split between base pay and tips.
How Employees Should Prepare
- Review pay stubs after September 30 to confirm the new rate.
- If you’re a tipped worker, keep track of your earnings and ensure your employer meets the legal minimum.
Florida’s step-by-step wage hike is designed to balance the needs of workers and businesses while moving towards a $15 per hour standard. For workers, this increase means some breathing room in meeting rising living costs.
For employers, it means ensuring compliance and fairness while adjusting to new payroll costs. Ultimately, this change aims to create a fairer wage system where both tipped and non-tipped employees can rely on a guaranteed minimum income.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is Florida’s minimum wage in 2025?
A1: From September 30, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage will be $14 per hour for most workers.
Q2: What is the minimum wage for tipped employees in Florida 2025?
A2: Tipped workers will earn a base wage of $10.98 per hour, but their total pay including tips must equal at least $14 per hour.
Q3: When will Florida reach a $15 minimum wage?
A3: Florida is set to reach $15 per hour on September 30, 2026.
Q4: What happens if tips don’t bring a worker’s pay up to $14?
A4: Employers are legally required to make up the difference so that the worker earns at least $14 per hour.
Q5: Do employers need to update anything for the wage increase?
A5: Yes, they must update workplace posters, adjust payroll, and clearly show pay breakdowns for tipped staff.
