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FLORIDA - Florida workers will see a pay increase as the state continues its gradual plan to reach a $15-per-hour minimum wage.
Starting September 30th, the statewide minimum wage will rise to $14 per hour.
For tipped employees, the base wage will increase to at least $10.98 per hour, with additional income coming from tips.
This change follows a constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters in 2020.
The amendment outlines scheduled increases in the minimum wage each year until it reaches $15 per hour on September 30th, 2026.
Local business owners are preparing for the upcoming wage increase while adjusting to higher operating costs.
Evan Delaney, owner of Great Harvest Bakery in Orlando, said he has already been paying his employees above the current minimum wage to account for rising living expenses.
Delaney emphasized that increasing sales is an important factor in sustaining wage increases for employees.
Economists note that Florida’s incremental approach allows employers and employees to adjust gradually to higher wages.
The state has seen some of the largest minimum wage increases in the nation in recent years, reflecting both voter priorities and economic growth.
While the increase provides direct financial benefits for workers, experts say monitoring its impact on small businesses and employment remains important.
The scheduled annual increases through 2026 will provide workers with more predictable earnings and help align wages more closely with the cost of living in Florida.