In 2025, Florida is steadily raising its minimum wage, reflecting a broader trend across many states in the U.S. As living costs rise, workers are watching wage schedules closely.
Florida’s upcoming increase on September 30, 2025 is part of a state constitutional amendment to reach $15 per hour by 2026. Below is the full breakdown of Florida’s wage changes, details for tipped employees, and how Florida compares with other states.
Florida Minimum Wage 2025: Key Facts
- As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Florida is $13.00 per hour.
- On September 30, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage is set to increase to $14.00 per hour for non-tipped employees.
- For employees who receive tips, Florida allows a tip credit. As of September 30, 2025, tipped employees must get a minimum cash wage of $10.98 per hour, while the difference up to full minimum wage is expected to be made up with tips.
- The increment schedule: Florida’s Amendment 2 (2020) mandates a $1.00 increase each September 30th until the rate reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30, 2026.
Florida Minimum Wage Table
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage (Non-tipped Employees) | Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees (Cash Wage + Tips) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 – Sept 29, 2025 | $13.00/hour | $9.98/hour + tip credit |
| Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 29, 2026 | $14.00/hour | $10.98/hour + tip credit |
| Sept 30, 2026 onward | $15.00/hour (planned) | $11.98/hour + tip credit (planned) |
Why Florida Is Changing Wages
- Florida voters approved Amendment 2 in November 2020, which amended the state constitution to raise the minimum wage incrementally until it reaches $15/hour by 2026.
- The automatic yearly hikes help adjust for inflation and rising cost of living, giving workers more predictable wage growth.
State-by-State Minimum Wage Comparison (2025)
Here’s how Florida’s rate compares with other states for January 1, 2025 (or most recent effective dates):
| State | 2025 Minimum Wage | Notes / Scheduled Increases |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $13.00 (non-tipped) | Rising to $14.00 on Sept 30, 2025; $15 in 2026 |
| California | ~$16.50 | Among highest state minimum wages |
| Washington | ~$16.66 | Also high, regularly updated |
| New York | ~$16.50 (NYC/Long Island etc.) | Different sub-areas have different minimums |
| Illinois | ~$15.00 | Many states already at or above $15/hour |
| Georgia | $7.25 | Same as federal minimum |
| Texas | $7.25 | Federal minimum applies |
| Washington, D.C. | ~$17.50 | Highest overall among jurisdictions |
| Connecticut | ~$16.35 | One of the stronger wage rates in New England region |
(This table shows some examples; many states have different tip wage rules, regional/local differences, and scheduled increases.)
How This Affects Workers in Florida
- For a full-time worker (40 hours/week), moving from $13.00 to $14.00/hour means an increase in monthly base pay of about $160 (before taxes) assuming 4 weeks in a month.
- Tipped employees with the new minimum cash wage ($10.98) must still have their total compensation reach at least the non-tipped minimum via tips. Employers are responsible for making up the difference if tips fall short.
- Employers need to adjust payroll systems, schedules, and ensure compliance ahead of the September 30, 2025 date.
Federal vs State Minimum Wage
- The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, a rate that hasn’t changed since 2009.
- Where state minimum wages are higher than $7.25, employers must use the state rate. Florida is well above the federal rate, so the state wage applies.
Florida’s minimum wage path in 2025 is clear: from $13.00/hour currently to $14.00/hour on September 30, 2025, and eventually to $15.00/hour in 2026.
These changes are significant for workers, especially in sectors with many low wage jobs and tipped employees.
While Florida remains below some of the highest state rates, the gradual hikes ensure that wage growth is predictable and responsive to inflation and cost pressures. If you work in Florida—or are considering a move—these wage schedules matter.
