Florida’s minimum wage just went up. This bill gives employers the ability to avoid it

1 day ago 5

Florida's minimum wage is increasing annually and is set to reach $15 per hour in 2026. As of Sept. 30, Florida's minimium wage is $14 an hour for non-tipped employees and $10.98 for tipped employees. A proposed bill, HB 221, would allow some workers in training programs to opt out of the state minimum wage. Supporters of the bill argue it would create more work opportunities, while opponents fear it could be abused by employers. A Florida legislator has already filed a bill to allow some employers to get around that by letting people working in apprenticeships, internships or work-study programs choose to opt out. HB 221, filed by Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R–Belleview, is similar to one he filed last year (HB 541) that advanced in both houses but died in committee. He said the minimum wage hike was "enacted with good intentions" but would lead to fewer work opportunities. “As we continuously artificially increase the minimum wage, not only does our cost of living increase, but employees are forced out of the job market, adding unforeseen consequences and stress to their families,” Chamberlin wrote in a note explaining the bill. Democrats argued that companies could abuse the law by labeling all entry-level jobs as “apprenticeships” or “internships.” The bill would allow employees who participate in structured work-study, internship, pre-apprenticeship program, or similar work-based learning opportunities to opt out of the state minimum wage by signing a waiver acknowledging they are willing to be paid less than Florida’s current hourly minimum. Like in the previous bill, such an arrangement may not last longer than nine months or two full-time semesters consisting of at least 15 credit hours each. After that time, the employee must be paid at or above the state minimum wage. The bill also prohibits employers from coercing employees into opting out of minimum wage, and requires a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for employees under 18 years of age, "at the minor employee's request." submitted by /u/Silent-Resort-3076 to r/florida [link] [comments]

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