Florida’s paychecks are about to tick higher again. Starting September 30, 2025, the state’s minimum wage will rise from $13 to $14 per hour, continuing its legally mandated climb toward $15 by 2026. It’s part of a plan Florida voters approved back in 2020, when they passed a constitutional amendment—championed by Orlando attorney John Morgan—that set the state on a step-by-step path to higher wages.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Path
The law is simple: every September 30, the minimum wage goes up by one dollar until it hits $15 in 2026. After that, it will be pegged to inflation and adjusted annually.
Here’s how Florida’s increases have rolled out so far—and what’s ahead:
| 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 |
For tipped employees—think servers, bartenders, and hotel staff—the base wage increases from $9.98 to $10.98. But here’s the key: when tips are added, the total must equal at least the standard $14 per hour. If tips fall short, the employer is on the hook to cover the difference, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Why Florida is Raising Wages
The state isn’t raising wages on a whim. It’s written into Florida’s constitution after voters gave the green light in 2020. The main drivers:
- Cost of living: Rent, groceries, gas—it’s all pricier than when the law passed. The steady wage increases help workers keep pace.
- Legal mandate: Employers have no choice; the phased hikes are locked into state law.
- Tipped worker fairness: Raising the base for tipped employees ensures they’re not left exposed when business is slow or tipping patterns dip.
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What Workers Can Expect
For most workers, the raise means more cash in their pockets—about $40 extra per week for someone working 40 hours. That can go toward rising grocery bills or help cover utilities. For tipped staff, the increase provides a stronger wage floor, giving them stability when tips fluctuate.
Workers should keep an eye on their pay stubs after September 30 to make sure the higher rate shows up. Tipped workers, in particular, should double-check their combined earnings hit the legal minimum.
What Employers Need to Do
Business owners have homework too. Employers must:
- Update workplace posters with the new rate (available from the state).
- Adjust payroll systems to ensure compliance.
- Clarify pay structures for tipped workers so staff can see how base pay and tips are applied.
Failing to comply can lead to wage disputes, fines, and legal headaches under Florida’s labor laws.
FAQs:
What is Florida’s minimum wage in 2025?
From September 30, 2025, the minimum wage rises to $14 per hour for most workers.
What’s the minimum wage for tipped employees?
Tipped employees must earn at least $10.98 in base pay, with tips bringing total pay up to $14 per hour.
When does Florida reach $15?
On September 30, 2026, the minimum wage reaches $15 statewide.
