Since approved in 2020 by Florida voters, the state’s minimum wage is increasing every year.
In 2023, the minimum wage was $12.00 per hour. In 2024, the minimum wage was $13.00 per hour and as of January 1, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage is $14.00 per hour for non-tipped employees and it will go up until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2026.
Now, state lawmakers are looking to reform Florida’s minimum wage with provisions for alternate means of compensation.
Florida State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin is sponsoring legislation from the House side. He says his bill will give both employers and employees more flexibility to work out compensatory agreements. House Bill 541would allow employers and employees to negotiate wage arrangements that differ from the minimum wage for work-based learning opportunities. “This will be good for employers, workers, independent contractors, and the economy at large,” said the State Rep.
Republicans in support of this measure will have to fine tune the bill since the minimum wage in Florida is currently codified in the state constitution.
GOP State Senator Jonathan Martin has filed companion legislation in the State Senate, Senate Bill 676. This bill allows employers to not be subject to certain minimum wage requirements for specified employees. It also allows employees to opt out of minimum wage requirements in a specified manner.
There are exemptions and special cases where the minimum wage rates don’t apply. “This legislation will add more jobs to the market, lower the cost of labor, increase the pool of workers, increase small business profits, and reduce the cost of living for consumers,” said Rep. Chamberlin.
This isn’t the only popular legislative item Rep. Chamberlin is putting forward, he has also sponsored legislation to conduct a study and look at property taxes in the state and what could replace if eliminated.
