If you work in Florida and are paid
the minimum wage, you’ll want to start checking your paychecks soon to see if your employer is paying you the correct rate. Starting January 1, 2021, Florida’s minimum wage rate for non-tipped employees will increase by nine cents from $8.56 per hour to $8.65 per hour. This the first of several increases that will gradually occur over the next few years to bring Florida’s minimum wage up to $15 an hour in 2026—as a result of Florida passing Amendment No. 2 in the 2020 election.
On September 30, 2021, the minimum wage rate will be increased from $8.65 per hour to $10 per hour. After September 30, 2021, minimum wage rates will continue to increase by $1.00 every year on September 30, as shown in this schedule:
- $11.00 on September 30, 2022
- $12.00 on September 30, 2023
- $13.00 on September 30, 2024
- $14.00 on September 30, 2025
- $15.00 on September 30, 2026
Tipped employees will see an increase in their minimum wage too. On January 1, 2021, the Florida tipped employee minimum wage rate will be increased from $5.54 per hour to $5.63 per hour. Then, on September 30, 2021, the minimum wage rate will increase to $6.98 for tipped employees. Like the regular minimum wage, tipped employees’ hourly wages will continue to increase by $1.00 every year through 2026 according to the following schedule:
- $7.98 on September 30, 2022
- $8.98 on September 30, 2023
- $9.98 on September 30, 2024
- $10.98 on September 30, 2025
- $11.98 on September 30, 2026
There are strict penalties if an employer does not pay the applicable minimum wage rate. If you are not receiving the proper minimum wage or if you have any additional questions, consult with an experienced employment lawyer familiar with the wage and hour laws. Don’t delay because wage claims have specific time-frames to bring a claim.