Florida workers are seeing a pay increase this month as the state\u2019s minimum wage hits $15 per hour \u2014 the final step in a multi-year plan approved by voters.<\/p>\n
On November 3, 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to gradually raise the state minimum wage each year until reaching $15 per hour. That milestone arrives September 30, 2026.<\/p>\n
A years-long road to $15<\/p>\n
The path to $15 per hour didn\u2019t happen overnight. The wage has climbed steadily, with the most recent increase bringing it from $14 per hour \u2014 where it stood as of September 30, 2025 \u2014 to $15 per hour this month.<\/p>\n
But for many people, the question isn\u2019t just about getting an extra dollar an hour.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s about how far that money actually goes.<\/p>\n
Residents News4Jax spoke with say they support workers making more money, but rising prices across the board continue to put pressure on budgets.<\/p>\n
Going forward, the minimum wage will no longer follow a fixed schedule. Beginning in 2027, Florida\u2019s minimum wage will be adjusted annually based on inflation.<\/p>\n
\u201c$15 was cool like five years ago when we first started talking about it, but in today\u2019s climate, that\u2019s not even close,\u201d Robert Robinson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think with the increase of pricing of food, gas, living, especially in Jacksonville, with a lot of people moving to the area, I don\u2019t believe so,\u201d Donovan Aldridge said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s already hard. I think for some people who make more than that, especially if you have kids or other dependents. And I couldn\u2019t imagine trying to support myself on $15 an hour,\u201d Katie Miller said.<\/p>\n
TELL US: Will Florida\u2019s boost to a $15 minimum wage be enough to live on?<\/p>\n
What employers need to know<\/p>\n
Florida employers are required to pay the state minimum wage for all hours worked in Florida. The definitions of employer, employee and wage follow those established under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA.<\/p>\n
Employers are also required by law to post a minimum wage notice in a conspicuous and accessible place at each worksite. The notice is available in English, Spanish and Creole through the Florida Department of Commerce\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
Rules for tipped employees<\/p>\n
The wage increase also affects tipped workers, though the math works a bit differently for them.<\/p>\n
Employers of tipped employees who qualify for a tip credit under the FLSA may apply that credit toward the minimum wage requirement. The allowable FLSA tip credit is $3.02 \u2014 the rate established in 2003 \u2014 meaning tipped employees must receive a minimum direct wage of $11.98 per hour as of September 30, 2026.<\/p>\n
Enforcement options for workers<\/p>\n
Workers who believe they are not being paid the correct minimum wage have legal options available to them.<\/p>\n
Employees may bring a civil action against any employer or individual found to be violating Florida\u2019s minimum wage law. The state Attorney General, or another official designated by the state legislature, may also file a civil action to enforce compliance.<\/p>\n
For FLSA guidance and compliance assistance, visit the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s website at dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/flsa<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where to find more information<\/p>\n Employers can download the required Florida minimum wage poster in English, Spanish and Creole from the Florida Department of Commerce at floridajobs.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The required federal minimum wage poster is available through the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/posters\/flsa<\/a>.<\/p>\n For additional workforce data and economic research, visit the Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research at floridajobs.org\/workforce-statistics<\/a>.<\/p>\n