Florida’s minimum wage goes up on Sept. 30: What is the new amount?

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the last increase in the federal minimum wage. In 2009, the hourly rate of $7.25 went into effect, and has remained at this amount to this day. However, some states, including Florida, have established higher hourly wages.

Some states have legislation that establishes automatic annual increases, while others link their increases to inflation so as not to affect the purchasing power of their workers.

Most states implement their increases at the beginning of each year, while others do so in July. In the case of Florida, the increases go into effect in September.

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Florida’s minimum wage goes up on Monday, Sept. 30: What is the new amount?

On Nov. 3, 2020, Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment to increase the minimum wage annually until it reaches $15 per hour on Sept. 30, 2026.

Thanks to citizens voting in favor of the proposal, Amendment 2, approved by the state legislature, has allowed for the gradual increase of the minimum wage, including an increase for 2024.

Beginning Sept. 30, the standard minimum wage in Florida will rise from $12 to $13 per hour and to $9.98 for tipped employees.

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How the minimum wage will rise in Florida in the coming years

In 2025, the benchmark salary will increase to $14 per hour and $10.98 for tipped employees. The succeeding year, the minimum wage will rise another dollar to $15 and $11.98 for tipped employees.

Although the amendment only provides for $1 increases up to $15 per hour in 2026, it also notes that subsequent increases will be based on changes in the Consumer Price Index so as not to affect workers' purchasing power.

The amendment states that the $15 per hour wage will be in effect until December 31, 2027. Indexed increases based on inflation will begin in 2028.