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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Florida

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$12.00

What is the minimum wage in Florida?

As of 2023, the minimum wage in Florida is $12.00 per hour. This is a statewide minimum wage that applies to all workers in Florida. This is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Florida's law requires employers to pay at least the Florida minimum wage to employees. Tipped employees must be paid at least $5.63 per hour in addition to tips.

The minimum wage in Florida refers to the legally mandated minimum hourly wage that employers are obligated to pay their employees within the state. It's important to note that the minimum wage in Florida can change over time as it is subject to periodic adjustments based on economic factors and cost of living. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the current minimum wage in Florida, it is advisable to consult the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or other authoritative sources. Employers in Florida must adhere to the minimum wage laws to ensure that their employees receive fair compensation and avoid potential legal consequences.

 
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$28.95

What is the average wage in Florida?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage in Florida is $28.95 per hour. However, it's important to note that the average wage varies depending on the occupation and industry.

For example, the average wage for management occupations is $41.94 per hour, while the average for food preparation and serving-related occupations is $14.09 per hour. It's also important to note that Florida is typically considered a state with lower average wages than other US states. However, certain areas, such as Miami and Tampa, have a higher cost of living and higher average wages.

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$31.94

What is the living wage in Florida?

Wages aren’t everything!

While pay is one of the main factors that hourly employees consider when choosing to join (or stay at) a company, it’s not the end all be all. Research shows that advancement opportunities, supportive management, and schedule flexibility are all incredibly important as well.

Want to learn more about this trend? We dive deep into the data behind which perks and benefits matter most to hourly workers. Check out our full conversation with expert Sara Wasserteil of Cara Collective.

A guide to hourly labor laws in Florida

Verified by Legal Counsel Brooke Davis

  • Standard Minimum Wage: $12, increasing to $13 on September 30, 2024 (Fla. Stat. § 448.110) (DoL) (FRLA).
  • Tipped Minimum Wage: $8.98, increasing to $9.98 in September 2024, totaling at least minimum wage after tips (Fla. Stat. § 448.110) (DoL) (FRLA).
  • Overtime: Hours exceeding 40 in a fixed week are overtime, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate (29 US Code § 207) (DoL). 
  • Meal Breaks: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Meal breaks are typically governed by employer policy or union contracts. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
  • Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requiring rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18).
  • Wage Deductions: No Florida state law. Federally limited to those required by law, such as taxes. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).
  • Final Paychecks: No Florida state law. Federal law requires the final paycheck to be paid by the next scheduled payday, regardless of termination or resignation (DoL). 
  • Wage Payment Frequency: No Florida state or federal law. Wages should be paid consistently, according to employment terms (DoL).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: Florida has no state-mandated paid family medical leave law. For eligible employees, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks per one-year period for a qualifying medical condition (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
    • General: No more than six consecutive days per week. Work periods of over four hours require a 30-minute meal break.
    • School sessions: Up to 15 hours per week and up to three hours per day before school days. No work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. before a school day.
    • Non-school sessions: Up to 40 hours per week and eight hours per day. No work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (Fla. Stat. § 450.081).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17:
    • General: Minors may not work more than four hours without a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break.
    • School sessions (with limited exceptions): No work during school hours. Up to eight hours per day before a school day except on holidays and Sundays. Up to 30 hours per week. No work between 11 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. before a school day (Fla. Stat. § 450.081).
    • Non-school sessions: N/A.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area.

Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:

  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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We're here to help!

A Workstream hiring specialist can help you identify high impact ways to improve your applicant experience, and even help you determine what is a good hourly wage for your location and business.

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