Human Resource Blog

Florida Minimum Wage

Is it true that the Florida minimum wage is going to increase?

The state of Florida will increase the minimum wage rate on January 1, 2008. The current minimum wage of $6.67 will increase to $6.79 per hour. This reflects a 12 cent increase.

Florida’s minimum wage is fairly recent. Florida followed the federal minimum wage until the legislation creating the state minimum wage was passed on November 24, 2004.

The minimum wage in Florida is higher than the current federal minimum wage of $5.85. Until the federal rate surpasses the state minimum wage law, Florida’s minimum wage will prevail.

There are exceptions to Florida’s minimum wage. “Tipped” employees must be paid at least $3.77 per hour beginning January 1, 2008. This is the state minimum wage of $6.79 minus a tip credit of $3.02 which makes their rate $3.77 per hour. This wage applies to employees like waiters and waitresses.

In comparison to other states, Florida’s minimum wage is higher than Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina and Alabama, all nearby states that do not have any state minimum wage. These states follow the federal minimum wage which is $5.85 per hour. The next change to the federal minimum wage is on July 24, 2008 when it increases by 70 cents to $6.55 per hour.

By law, every employer must conspicuously display an updated minimum wage poster for all to see. Most of the time minimum wage posters are found in employee break rooms or hallways where there is employee traffic.

Florida employers who do not pay the state minimum wage can be subject to lawsuits. The laws change frequently and Florida employers must stay abreast of the changes. When the laws change, the minimum wage posters have to be changed to comply with the new legislation.

More information on the latest changes to the minimum wage law can be found at www.laborlawcenter.com.GW