Good news for workers across Florida — your paycheck is about to get a little bigger. Starting October 18, 2025, the minimum wage in Florida will rise once again as part of the state’s ongoing plan to reach $15 per hour by 2026.
If you’re wondering how much more you’ll earn per hour or how this affects tipped jobs, this guide breaks it all down — simply and clearly.
Why Is Florida Raising the Minimum Wage?
Back in 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment led by attorney John Morgan, requiring the state to gradually raise its minimum wage by $1 every year until it reaches $15 in 2026.
It’s not just a policy change — it’s a lifeline for thousands of low-wage workers struggling with the rising cost of living.
From October 18, 2025, most employees in Florida will see their hourly rate go from $13 to $14 per hour. For tipped workers — like restaurant servers and bartenders — the base pay will rise from $9.98 to $10.98 per hour.
If tips don’t bring total earnings up to $14 an hour, employers are legally required to make up the difference.
Florida Minimum Wage 2025 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Florida Department of Economic Opportunity |
| Program Name | US Minimum Wage Increase 2025 |
| State | Florida, USA |
| New Wage (Non-Tipped) | $14 per hour |
| Base Pay (Tipped Workers) | $10.98 per hour |
| Future Plan | $15 per hour by October 2026 |
| Beneficiaries | Low-wage workers in Florida |
| Official Websites | dol.gov & floridajobs.org |
Step-by-Step Wage Growth
Florida’s minimum wage has been increasing by $1 every October since 2021. This gradual approach helps businesses adjust while ensuring workers earn a fairer income each year.
Let’s take a quick look at how it’s progressed:
| Year | Minimum Wage (Non-Tipped) | Tipped Base Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10 | $6.98 |
| 2022 | $11 | $7.98 |
| 2023 | $12 | $8.98 |
| 2024 | $13 | $9.98 |
| 2025 | $14 | $10.98 |
| 2026 (Goal) | $15 | $11.98 |
Why It Matters for Workers
You might think, “It’s just one more dollar,” but for many Floridians, that single dollar means a lot.
- More breathing room: Everyday costs like groceries, gas, and rent keep climbing. A pay bump helps keep up with those bills.
- Greater job stability: A fair wage motivates workers to stay longer, reducing job-hopping and turnover.
- Fairness for tipped employees: The rise in base pay helps ensure tipped workers don’t fall behind or depend entirely on customer generosity.
For workers in service industries, this change provides much-needed consistency and protection.
How Employers Should Prepare
If you own or manage a business in Florida, here’s what you need to do before October 18:
- Update all workplace posters to show the new $14 rate.
- Adjust payroll systems to automatically reflect the new hourly wage.
- Verify pay structures for tipped workers — ensure base pay plus tips always meets or exceeds $14 per hour.
- Train HR or payroll staff so they can handle employee questions and remain compliant with state labor laws.
Ignoring the update could result in fines or legal issues, so making these adjustments early is essential.
What Employees Should Do
As a worker, you have the right to fair pay — and it’s smart to double-check that you’re receiving it.
- Review your pay stub after October 18 to confirm the new rate.
- Track your hours and tips if you’re in a tipped position.
- If your employer hasn’t updated your pay, you can contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for help or file a wage complaint.
This rise is designed to make life a bit easier, giving workers across Florida a chance to better manage their expenses and plan for the future.
The Bigger Picture
Florida’s gradual path toward $15 per hour by 2026 is one of the most structured minimum wage plans in the country. After that milestone, the minimum wage will continue to adjust annually based on inflation, ensuring workers’ pay doesn’t lose value over time.
This system aims to strike a balance — keeping businesses competitive while allowing employees to live with dignity and financial security.
In short, the 2025 minimum wage increase is not just another number on paper — it’s a small but meaningful step toward a fairer, stronger economy for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Florida’s minimum wage in 2025?
From October 18, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage will be $14 per hour for most non-tipped workers.
2. What about tipped employees?
Tipped workers will earn a base wage of $10.98 per hour, and their total pay (base + tips) must equal at least $14 per hour.
3. When will Florida reach $15 an hour?
The state will reach a $15 minimum wage on October 18, 2026, as part of the voter-approved amendment.
4. What if an employer doesn’t follow the new wage law?
Employers who fail to pay the legal minimum wage may face penalties and must pay back wages to affected employees.