Starting September 30, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage will increase from $13 to $14 per hour. This raise is part of the state’s step-by-step plan to reach $15 by 2026, a change written into the Florida Constitution after voters approved it in 2020.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Timeline
The law requires the minimum wage to climb by one dollar every September 30 until it reaches $15 in 2026. After that, annual adjustments will be tied to inflation.
Here’s the breakdown of past and future increases:
| Year | Standard Minimum Wage | Tipped Minimum Wage (Base Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10.00 | $6.98 |
| 2022 | $11.00 | $7.98 |
| 2023 | $12.00 | $8.98 |
| 2024 | $13.00 | $9.98 |
| 2025 | $14.00 | $10.98 |
| 2026 | $15.00 | $11.98 |
Tipped employees—such as servers and bartenders—will earn at least $10.98 in base pay. With tips, their total hourly pay must reach $14. If tips don’t cover the difference, employers must make up the shortfall.
Why Wages Are Rising
The wage increases aren’t optional. They stem from a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2020. The main reasons behind the hikes include:
- Higher cost of living, from rent to groceries
- A legal requirement for steady increases until 2026
- Stronger protection for tipped workers
Impact on Workers
For full-time employees, the raise means about $40 more each week for those working 40 hours. That money can help with rising costs of food, housing, and utilities. Tipped employees gain more stability, knowing their base pay is rising even if tips slow down.
Workers should review their pay stubs after September 30 to make sure the new rate is applied correctly.
Responsibilities for Employers
Businesses must also prepare for the change. Employers are required to:
- Update workplace posters with the new wage rate
- Adjust payroll systems to reflect the increase
- Ensure tipped workers’ combined pay equals the $14 minimum
Failure to comply could result in wage disputes, penalties, or legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida’s minimum wage in 2025?
As of September 30, 2025, the minimum wage is $14 per hour.
What is the tipped minimum wage in 2025?
Tipped employees must earn at least $10.98 in base pay, with tips raising their total to $14 per hour.
When will Florida’s minimum wage reach $15?
On September 30, 2026, Florida’s minimum wage will reach $15 statewide.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s rising minimum wage marks a major shift for workers and employers alike. By 2026, the state will join others with a $15 wage floor, offering workers more stability while requiring businesses to adapt to higher labor costs.
