Starting September 30, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage will rise to $14 per hour. This measure is part of the plan approved by Constitutional Amendment 2. The state’s minimum wage will increase from $13 to $14 per hour, including a significant increase for those working in sectors where tips are a key part of income, primarily in hospitality and catering.
With inflation rising since the pandemic, voters decided that wages should reflect the current economy
The legal basis for this comes from a constitutional amendment passed in November 2020. The amendment was initially prompted by the growing imbalance between the cost of living and real incomes. With inflation rising since the pandemic, voters decided that wages should reflect the current economy. The proposal was sponsored by attorney John Morgan and received support from a majority of voters.
The important aspect of this measure is that it establishes automatic increases until 2026, followed by annual adjustments based on inflation. The new minimum wage applies to most jobs covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, including restaurant, retail, and service workers—sectors where Latin American immigrants have a strong presence.
Florida: the hourly wage is $9.98, and on September 30, 2025, it will rise to $10.98
It’s important to note that in Florida, employers can count up to $3.02 in tips as part of wages. So for many families, this increase represents more than just a figure in a newly passed law. It’s the opportunity to pay their electric bill on time, buy healthier food, or even save for the future. Today, in Florida, the hourly wage is $9.98, and on September 30, 2025, it will rise to $10.98. It will then reach $11.98 per hour in 2026.
Businesses located in Florida are required to adjust their payroll systems
Recall that since 2020, the minimum wage in Florida has increased from $10 to $14, and now, businesses located in Florida are required to adjust their payroll systems and display updated labor posters in prominent locations. And by next year, it will reach $15 per hour, marking a real transformation in the worker economy.
The deduction will begin in 2025 and will remain in effect until December 2028
On the other hand, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4 by President Donald Trump, allows for deducting up to $25,000 in tips on tax returns. The deduction will begin in 2025 and will remain in effect until December 2028. While some small businesses express concern about rising payroll costs, others see the change as an opportunity to improve employee motivation, productivity, and creativity. Obviously, it never turns out that everyone likes it.
The increase that will occur in the state of Florida is something that citizens will notice significantly at the end of the month
It’s important to keep in mind that with the rising cost of living, taxes, and tariffs being imposed by Donald Trump, it’s normal for life to become a little more difficult, especially for those with limited incomes or those on very limited incomes. Therefore, the increase that will occur in the state of Florida, incidentally one of the most expensive in the United States, is something that citizens will notice significantly at the end of the month.
Finally, workers should rest assured if their employers refuse to pay the amounts owed. If an employer pays less than the current rate, the worker can claim back wages, additional damages, and legal fees. This is a way to protect the worker, their rights, and the tools they can use to defend themselves in court. In the case of intentional violations, the JD Supra website reminded employers that the fine can be up to US$1,000 for each violation. As we always advise, it’s a matter of being properly informed to avoid headaches at the end of the month.
