At $14 an hour, Florida's new minimum wage would be up by a dollar from Tuesday, with the previous one been $13 an hour. Workers on a tip will also have rise in their wage, at about $10.98 per hour. The spike is as per the Amendment 2, approved in November 2020, which legislated that by 2026, the minimum wage in Florida should reach $15. However, the increase in wages are in tandem with the rising cost of living in Florida.

Since 2022, Florida’s minimum wage has been increasing by $1 every year. After hitting $15 in 2026, the wage will keep rising from 2027 onward, but those future increases will be tied to inflation. Workers who earn minimum wage and put in 40 hours per week will make an extra $2,080 a year from this year’s $1 increase, as per the report by Wesh.

Workers’ rights and rising wages

Employees in Florida are protected by the state’s constitution, meaning employers cannot punish or retaliate if workers ask for their rightful minimum wage. Workers have the right to file complaints against employers not paying the legal wage. They also can inform others about violations and help people learn about their rights under Section 24, Article X of the State Constitution.

Chris Jones, president of Florida Economic Advisors, said the raises do help workers but also create challenges. “Florida’s no longer a cheap state to live in, and a lot of that has to do with the price of real estate and the price you have to pay workers,” Jones explained. Jones also warned that when wages go up, businesses may turn to automation and other cost-saving methods. He added that this can push the overall cost of living even higher, as stated in the report by Wesh.

Florida wage compared to other states

“It’s a chicken-and-egg effect that works both ways. Because when you raise the minimum wage, it becomes more expensive to live in that state,” Jones said. Even with the increase, Florida’s minimum wage is still behind the highest in the U.S.. Washington, D.C., leads with $17.95 per hour, Washington state is at $16.66, and both California and New York sit at $16.50.

Jones believes Florida’s wage will eventually go beyond $15, but says it will take time. He encourages workers to gain extra training and skills to move up beyond just the mandated increases. The final scheduled increase under Amendment 2 will take place on September 30, 2026, when Florida’s minimum wage reaches $15 an hour, as per the report by Wesh.

FAQs

Q1. What is Florida’s new minimum wage in 2024?

Florida’s minimum wage increased to $14 per hour on Tuesday, and tipped workers now get $10.98 per hour under Amendment 2.

Q2. When will Florida’s minimum wage reach $15?

Florida’s minimum wage will reach $15 per hour on September 30, 2026, after yearly $1 increases approved by voters.