News Summary
Florida has officially raised its minimum wage to $14 per hour as part of a constitutional plan established by voters in 2020. This increase is part of a series of planned hikes, with the minimum wage targeted to reach $15 per hour by 2026. The adjustment aims to help working individuals cope with rising living costs. While many businesses have raised wages voluntarily, experts express concerns about potential impacts on job opportunities and consumer prices. Florida’s minimum wage is now the highest in the Southeastern United States.
Florida has officially raised its minimum wage to $14 per hour as of September 30, 2023. This adjustment is part of a constitutional plan established by voters in 2020, aimed at progressively increasing wages over a period of several years.
The wage increase is part of a series of planned hikes initiated in 2021, when the minimum wage was set at $10 per hour. It is scheduled to reach $15 per hour by September 30, 2026. This progressive wage reform was solidified through Amendment 2, which garnered approval from more than 60% of voters during the 2020 elections and was championed by attorney John Morgan.
As of August 2023, the average advertised salary in Central Florida was reported at approximately $24 per hour, indicating that this amount is 71% higher than the current minimum wage. Additionally, the minimum wage for tipped workers has also seen a boost, climbing from $9.98 to $10.98 in accordance with the general increase.
While many businesses keep wages above the minimum rate, some, such as Great Harvest Bakery, are voluntarily paying higher salaries to support their employees against the rising cost of living. There are approximately 1.1 million working individuals within Florida earning less than $15 an hour, underscoring the importance of this wage increase for numerous households struggling with everyday expenses.
Economic experts have noted that although these pay hikes offer substantial benefits to many workers, they may also have some adverse side effects for businesses. Concerns have been raised that these increases could lead to reduced working hours, increased automation, or even fewer job opportunities for entry-level positions, as companies might attempt to offset the rising labor costs. Additionally, some critics argue that the changes may inevitably lead to higher consumer prices as businesses seek to maintain profitability amidst rising expenses.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, to afford a two-bedroom apartment without financial strain, Floridians would need an hourly wage of $37.27, thus revealing a significant gap between the minimum wage and living wage standards in the state. The objective behind increasing the minimum wage is to help workers cope with inflation and rising living costs, particularly in terms of housing expenses.
Following the final scheduled increase in 2026, Florida’s minimum wage will be adjusted annually based on inflation rates using the Consumer Price Index for Wage Earners (CPI-W) to ensure that it continues to keep pace with the cost of living. The newly implemented $14 minimum wage positions Florida as having the highest state minimum wage in the Southeastern United States, nearly doubling the federal minimum wage, which remains at $7.25.
For workers who feel they are being paid below the newly established minimum wage, there are avenues for recourse, including filing a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. However, enforcement of such complaints has historically experienced limitations.
In summary, Florida’s new minimum wage increase aims to provide better financial support for workers against the backdrop of escalating living costs. However, associated challenges and criticisms regarding its potential impact on job availability and business sustainability remain hot topics as the state transitions to this new wage standard.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- My News 13: Central Florida Businesses Paying Above $14 Minimum Wage
- NBC Miami: Florida Minimum Wage Increases to $14 an Hour
- Click Orlando: Florida Minimum Wage Just Went Up
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minimum Wage
- WESH: Florida’s Minimum Wage Increases
- Google Search: Florida Minimum Wage
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
