News Summary
Florida’s minimum wage is rising to $14 per hour by September 30, 2025, as part of Amendment 2. This initiative aims for annual increases leading to $15 by 2026. The rise is backed by supporters who emphasize the need for fair compensation, while some critics warn about potential impacts on small businesses and the labor market. Tipped employees will also see wage increases, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about wage equity in the state.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Set to Rise to $14
Florida’s minimum wage is set to increase to $14 per hour on September 30, 2025, as part of an initiative known as Amendment 2, which was passed by voters in 2020. This increase follows a series of annual wage hikes that began in 2021, when the minimum wage was $10 per hour. The wage will continue to rise incrementally, reaching $15 per hour by September 30, 2026.
Details of Amendment 2
Amendment 2 mandates that Florida’s minimum wage be increased by $1 each year. Scheduled adjustments include $11 in 2022, $12 in 2023, and $13 in 2024. Following the final adjustment to $15 in 2026, the minimum wage will be subject to annual adjustments for inflation, a policy that was in place prior to 2004.
Before the adoption of Amendment 2, Florida’s minimum wage stood at $8.46 per hour. The amendment was supported by a significant investment from John Morgan, founder of the law firm Morgan & Morgan, who led the political committee striving for a fair wage. The measure gained support from voters, achieving just over 60% of the vote, which exceeded the required threshold for approval.
Impact on Employers and Workers
While proponents argue that the adjustments will help low-income workers afford basic living expenses, critics warn that the changes could create challenges for small businesses. Concerns have been raised over the potential for increased labor costs that may lead to reduced job availability, particularly for entry-level positions. Some economists have cautioned that such price floors can impact the overall labor market, resulting in reduced hours or benefits for workers, and potentially leading to unemployment among those in lower-income brackets.
For tipped employees, the state minimum wage will also see an increase, raising to $10.98 per hour alongside the general minimum wage adjustment on September 30, 2025. This change is part of the broader effort to ensure all workers receive fair compensation for their labor.
Comparison with Federal Minimum Wage
As of now, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, which has not been raised since 2009. The implementation of Amendment 2 in Florida highlights a growing conversation in various states about the necessity for higher wage standards and the economic implications that come with such changes.
Conclusion
The upcoming increases in Florida’s minimum wage reflect both a response to the demands of workers for better pay and a broader national dialogue on wage equity. As the state approaches these new wage benchmarks, the impacts on the workforce and local businesses will be closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and community members alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minimum Wage
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas 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 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
