labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The Florida minimum wage will increase by 3 cents on July 24, 2009.

Many employers wonder what sparks such a change, since it is an administrative hassle for employers and provides few benefits for workers. The answer is simple. Under the Florida minimum wage statute, the state minimum wage cannot be lower than the federal minimum wage.

Currently, the Florida minimum wage is $7.21 per hour. On July 24, 2009 the federal minimum wage increases to $7.25 per hour. Under a little-known provision of the Florida minimum wage statute, the state rate will increase at the same time –  even though the difference is only 3 cents.

Of course, this change has a number of ramifications for Florida employers. For one thing, they must update their state and federal minimum wage posters. By law, employers must prominently display accurate, up-to-date minimum wage posters in the workplace.

The Florida minimum wage is not the only one changing this month. On July 1, 2009, Illinois and two other states increased their minimum wage. Several other states will increase their minimum wage rates in July. Thirteen states, including South Dakota, Virginia, Utah, (more…)