Quick Answer
Complete guide to Florida minimum wage including current rates, scheduled increases to $15/hour, tipped employee wages, and how to report violations.
Quick Answer: Florida's minimum wage is $14.00/hour as of September 30, 2026, rising to $15.00 in September 2026. Tipped employees receive a direct wage of $10.98/hour plus tips. Florida voters approved these increases through Amendment 2 in 2020. After 2026, the minimum wage will adjust annually based on inflation.
Florida is on track to $15. Know your wage rights now.
Current Minimum Wage Rates
Standard Minimum Wage Schedule
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2026 | $14.00/hour (current) |
| September 30, 2026 | $15.00/hour |
| After 2026 | CPI adjustments |
Recent history: | January 1, 2024 | $12.00/hour | | September 30, 2024 | $13.00/hour |
Why September 30?
Amendment 2 set September 30 as the annual adjustment date. Increases take effect at the start of the state fiscal year.
After 2026
Annual adjustments based on:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) changes
- Calculated by Department of Economic Opportunity
- Announced before September 30 each year
- No decreases allowed
Tipped Employee Wages
Current Tipped Minimum Wage
| Effective Date | Direct Wage | Tip Credit | Total Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2026 (current) | $10.98/hour | $3.02 | $14.00 |
| September 30, 2026 | $11.98/hour | $3.02 | $15.00 |
How Tip Credit Works
Employer can pay lower direct wage if:
- Employee regularly receives tips
- Tips bring total compensation to minimum wage
- Employer informs employee of tip credit
- Employee retains all tips (except valid tip pools)
If tips don't cover the gap: Employer must make up the difference to reach minimum wage.
Who Qualifies as Tipped Employee
Typically includes:
- Servers/waitstaff
- Bartenders
- Bellhops
- Valets
- Hairstylists (in some settings)
Must regularly receive more than $30/month in tips.
Tip Pooling Rules
Legal tip pool participants:
- Servers
- Bartenders
- Bussers
- Hosts
- Other customarily tipped employees
Cannot participate in tip pool:
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Employers/owners
Who Is Covered
Employees Covered
Florida minimum wage applies to:
- Almost all Florida employees
- Part-time and full-time
- Temporary workers
- Most industries
Exemptions
Limited exemptions include:
- Some student workers
- Certain agricultural workers
- Domestic workers in some situations
- Workers with disabilities (special certificates)
Most exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, minimum wage likely applies.
Federal vs. State
Florida's higher rate applies:
- Florida: $14.00 (2026)
- Federal: $7.25
Workers receive the higher of the two rates.
Common Violations
Not Paying Minimum Wage
Illegal practices:
- Paying below $14.00/hour
- Not covering tip credit gaps
- Deductions dropping pay below minimum
- Misclassifying employees as exempt
Illegal Deductions
Cannot deduct to drop below minimum wage:
- Cash register shortages
- Breakage or damage
- Uniforms or equipment
- Training costs
Tipped Employee Violations
Common problems:
- Not informing employees of tip credit
- Including managers in tip pool
- Not making up tip shortfall
- Requiring tip outs to back-of-house improperly
Working Off the Clock
Must be paid for:
- Time worked before clocking in
- Time worked after clocking out
- Work during unpaid breaks
- Required training time
Calculating Your Pay
Basic Calculation
For standard employees:
Hours worked × $14.00 = Minimum gross pay
Example:
- 40 hours worked
- Minimum pay: 40 × $14.00 = $560
For Tipped Employees
Check if tips cover gap:
Direct wage + Tips ≥ Minimum wage
Example:
- Direct wage: $10.98/hour
- Tips averaged: $5.00/hour
- Total: $15.98/hour (above minimum - compliant)
If tips fell short:
- Direct wage: $10.98/hour
- Tips averaged: $2.00/hour
- Total: $12.98/hour
- Employer owes: $1.02/hour to reach $14.00
Reporting Violations
Where to Report
U.S. Department of Labor (WHD):
- Phone: 1-866-487-9243
- Website: dol.gov/agencies/whd
- File online complaint
Florida doesn't have state wage enforcement agency - federal DOL handles minimum wage complaints.
What to Provide
When filing complaint:
- Employer name and address
- Your hours worked
- Pay received
- Evidence of violation
- Contact information
Protections Against Retaliation
Illegal to retaliate for:
- Filing wage complaint
- Participating in investigation
- Discussing wages with coworkers
Private Lawsuits
Filing a Wage Claim
Can sue employer in court for:
- Unpaid minimum wages
- Liquidated damages (up to double)
- Attorney's fees
- Court costs
Statute of Limitations
Federal FLSA:
- 2 years (standard violations)
- 3 years (willful violations)
Class Actions
Multiple employees can join together to sue employer for widespread violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Florida minimum wage go to $15?
September 30, 2026. The current minimum wage is $14.00 (as of September 30, 2026).
Is there a youth minimum wage in Florida?
No. Florida does not have a lower minimum wage for young workers. All employees receive full minimum wage.
Can my employer pay me less than minimum wage?
Only if you're a tipped employee AND your tips bring total compensation to minimum wage. Otherwise, no.
What if I'm paid by commission?
Commission pay must average out to at least minimum wage for all hours worked. If not, employer must make up the difference.
Do I get minimum wage during training?
Yes. Training time is work time and must be compensated at minimum wage.
What if my employer says I'm exempt?
Exemption requires meeting specific salary AND duties tests. Job title alone doesn't create exemption. If you don't meet the tests, you're entitled to minimum wage and overtime.
Can my employer deduct for uniforms?
Yes, but deduction cannot drop your pay below minimum wage. Many deductions are limited this way.
Who enforces minimum wage in Florida?
The U.S. Department of Labor. Florida doesn't have a state wage enforcement agency.
Local Minimum Wages
No Local Minimums in Florida
Florida preempts local minimum wage laws:
- Cities cannot set higher minimums
- Counties cannot set higher minimums
- State rate applies everywhere
This differs from states like California where cities can exceed state minimum.
Related Topics
Take Action
Florida's minimum wage is increasing, but violations still occur. Know your rights and take action if you're not being paid properly.
Steps to take:
- Track your hours worked
- Calculate your minimum pay
- Compare to actual pay received
- Report violations to DOL
- Consider consulting an employment attorney
You've earned at least minimum wage. Make sure you receive it.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Florida minimum wage and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed Florida employment attorney.
For official information:
- U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/ | 1-866-487-9243
- Florida Minimum Wage Information: https://floridajobs.org/
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Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
What is standard Minimum Wage Schedule?
Why September 30?
How Tip Credit Works?
Who Qualifies as Tipped Employee?
What is tip Pooling Rules?
Could Your Employer Be Violating Other Laws?
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