Florida Minimum Wage 2024

Florida’s minimum wage is set to increase again this year following the 2020 amendment passed by voters. This initiative aims to gradually raise the Florida minimum wage from $8.65 to $15 an hour for non-tipped employees and $10.98 for tipped employees by increasing it to one dollar each year starting from $10 in 2021.

Knowing state wage laws and updates regarding minimum wage rates can be complex. To assist employers, particularly those running small businesses and employees interested in the new rates for tipped workers, we have developed an easy-to-understand guide addressing frequently asked questions about Florida’s minimum wage.

What Is the Florida Minimum Wage in 2024?

Florida’s minimum wage was $11 per hour until September 29, 2023. On September 30, 2023, it increased to $12 per hour, the rate for 2024. The minimum wage will rise again on September 30, 2024, to $13 per hour. The rate for tipped employees in Florida has also increased from $7.98 to $8.98 per hour in 2024.

The last significant update to Florida’s minimum wage before this series of changes occurred in 2008, with an increase of $4.21. More recently, on November 3, 2020, Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment that mandates annual adjustments to the minimum wage based on inflation, aiming for a target of $15 per hour by September 30, 2026.

Known as Amendment 2, this initiative initially raised the minimum wage to $10 per hour in January 2022. It specified an annual increase of $1 per hour until the $15 target is met by the 2026 deadline.

An Overview of the Florida Minimum Wage Throughout the Years

The evolution of Florida’s minimum wage is characterized by gradual increases and periods of stability rather than consistent hikes. Until 2005, Florida’s minimum wage followed the federal baseline set in 1938. A significant change occurred in 2005 when Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment that raised the state’s minimum wage above the federal level, initiating a new phase with periodic adjustments.

While listing the exact rates for each year might not be essential to grasping the overall trend, it is important to recognize that after the 2005 amendment, Florida’s minimum wage experienced several modest rises, though not without intervals of no change. One key feature of Florida’s approach to minimum wage is its annual review, which allows adjustments based on economic shifts, distinguishing it from states where the minimum wage remains constant.

A pivotal moment in this ongoing story was the 2020 amendment backed by voters. This measure set a plan to incrementally increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by September 30, 2026, providing a clear, scheduled path for wage increases.

Below is a detailed table showing the planned annual increases in the minimum wage following this amendment:

Year	Minimum Wage Rate
2018	$8.25 per hour
2019	$8.46 per hour
2020	$8.56 per hour
2021	$8.65 per hour
2022	$10.00 per hour
2023	$11.00 per hour
2024	$12.00 per hour

What Is the Overtime Minimum Wage Law?

Employers are not legally mandated to offer meal periods or breaks to employees aged 18 and older. However, under federal law, non-exempt employees are entitled to 1.5 times their standard wages for hours worked beyond 40.

Regarding overtime regulations, federal law sets the minimum salary threshold for exemptions in administrative, professional, and executive roles at $684 weekly or $35,568 annually. Employees earning this amount or more might qualify for overtime pay depending on their job responsibilities.

Tipped Minimum Wage Requirements

Employers of tipped employees must pay the full minimum wage, although they can include up to $3.02 per hour of the tips that employees earn towards this obligation, by the 2003 Fair Labor Standards Act tip credit. Therefore, the direct wage paid by employers is the minimum wage reduced by $3.02.

The minimum wage in Florida is $12 per hour, which makes the tipped minimum wage $8.98 per hour. These rates will continue to increase by one dollar annually until the minimum wage for non-tipped employees reaches $15 per hour and $11.98 per hour for tipped employees.

Florida Minimum Wage Labor Law Posters Requirements

The FLSA and state labor laws in Florida mandate that all employers prominently display approved minimum wage and labor law posters. These posters must include information on federal and Florida labor laws, including overtime regulations. Employers who fail to display these posters may face significant fines.

Florida Minimum Wage Exceptions

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act specifies special minimum wage rates for certain categories of workers and any specific exemptions under Florida law. Exemptions for Specific Groups:

• Small businesses: Businesses that generate less than $110,000 in annual sales may pay a reduced minimum wage of $4.00 per hour. This policy aims to assist small businesses struggling to meet the standard minimum wage requirements due to limited financial resources.
• Agricultural and seasonal workers: Workers in the agricultural sector must be paid at least $7.25 per hour. This reduced wage considers the seasonal nature and varying demands typical of the agricultural industry.
• State and local government employees: These employees are not covered by the Florida state minimum wage laws and are paid according to wage scales often set through collective bargaining agreements or other labor negotiation frameworks.
• Non-profit organizations: The Florida Department of Labor may grant an exemption to non-profit entities that can prove financial constraints prevent them from meeting minimum wage standards.

These exemptions are in addition to other specific provisions that may apply to particular employee categories:

• Youth Training Wage in Florida: As per federal regulations, employers can pay new workers under 20 years old a training wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 days of employment.
• Student Wage in Florida: Full-time high school or college students working part-time can receive 85% of the Florida minimum wage, which amounts to at least $11.05 per hour. This rate applies to 20 hours per week in certain jobs, like university work-study programs.
• Tipped Wage in Florida: Employees who regularly receive tips may be paid a lower direct cash wage as long as their total earnings (wage plus tips) reach at least $13.00 per hour. The specific rules for tipped employees in Florida provide more information.

Preparing Your Business for Florida’s Minimum Wage Increase

As Florida’s minimum wage increases, restaurant and business owners must adjust their operations to accommodate the change. Below are strategies for managing this transition effectively.

• Hire and Keep Quality Employees

It’s important to hire employees who share your restaurant’s values and operational goals. Choosing candidates with solid industry experience enhances service quality and promotes a positive work environment. Building strong relationships with employees and providing career development opportunities can lower turnover rates and foster a dedicated team.

• Review Your Expenses

As the minimum wage increases, it’s important to analyze your current expenses. Evaluate your restaurant’s cash flow and create a budget for your new wage expenses. Using part-time or seasonal workers can help manage labor costs while offering quality service.

• Adjust Menu Prices

Raising menu prices may be necessary to offset the rise in labor costs. While customers might initially resist price increases, this reaction is common in the industry. Communicating the reasons for price adjustments can help retain customer loyalty. Monitoring competitors’ pricing strategies is crucial to ensure your pricing remains competitive.

• Enhance Technology Use

Technology plays a vital role in streamlining operations and reducing labor costs. Introducing QR code menus, self-service kiosks, and tablet ordering can improve the dining experience and lessen the need for extensive staff interactions. Investing in a comprehensive restaurant management system and a solid online ordering platform can significantly increase your business’s operational efficiency.

• Ensure Compliance and Stay Updated

Keeping up-to-date with legal changes related to minimum wage is essential. Regular consultations with legal and financial advisors ensure your restaurant adheres to current wage laws, avoids legal issues, and aids in financial strategy development.

Adapting to the minimum wage increase in Florida requires a thorough approach. Tailor these strategies to meet your restaurant’s specific needs. By staying informed, making smart hiring decisions, and utilizing technology, your business can successfully manage these changes and thrive in 2024.

Conclusion

As Florida’s minimum wage rises, businesses and employees must stay informed to navigate these changes effectively. The scheduled increase to $13 per hour for non-tipped employees and $8.98 per hour for tipped employees in 2024 reflects the ongoing commitment to raising the wage to $15 per hour by 2026. This means adjusting budgets, revising pricing strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency through technology for employers, particularly in the restaurant and small business sectors.

Employees should know their rights under the updated wage laws, including overtime pay and tipped wage regulations. Staying up-to-date with these changes and planning accordingly will help ensure compliance and smooth transitions. By addressing these adjustments proactively, businesses can manage the impact on their operations and continue to support their workforce effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions