Effective September 30, 2026, Florida’s minimum wage has increased to $15 per hour for all hourly workers. This follows Florida voters’ November 2020 approval to gradually raise the state minimum wage. The wage has climbed steadily since 2021 by $1 yearly, and now 2026 ($15).
Employers are required to ensure that all non-exempt employees earn at least $15 per hour for all hours worked in Florida.
What This Means for Workers
Starting September 30, you should see an increase in your paycheck if you were earning less than $15 per hour. For tipped workers, your employer must pay you at least $11.98 per hour in base wage, plus tips. The total must equal at least $15 per hour. If your tips don’t reach that threshold, your employer is legally required to make up the difference.
Check Your First Paycheck
Within the first few pay periods after September 30, review your paycheck carefully:
- Does your hourly rate reflect the new $15 minimum?
- If you’re a tipped worker, does your base wage show $11.98 per hour?
- Is your total pay (base wage plus tips) at least $15 per hour?
- Have your hours been reduced significantly?
- If you work overtime, is it calculated correctly on your new wage rate?
What to Do If Something Is Wrong
If your paycheck doesn’t reflect the new minimum wage, or if your employer has cut your hours, misclassified your status, or taken other steps to offset the raise, contact us immediately. Wage theft is illegal.
USA Employment Lawyers represents workers in wage and hour cases across the nation. We handle cases on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Many wage theft cases involve multiple employees, which means potential class action recovery.
Contact USA Employment Lawyers for a free consultation.
