If you live in Florida and work a minimum wage job, there’s a change coming that might finally bring a bit of relief. Starting September 30, 2025, your hourly rate is going up to $14 an hour. This is part of a plan voters approved years ago—the 2020 constitutional amendment—which laid out a step-by-step path to get to $15 by 2026.
1$ more doesn’t sound life-changing to everyone, but for the millions of people earning just enough to scrape by, it matters. A lot. Especially for folks in jobs like cleaning, construction, retail, restaurants, and farms, industries where Latin American immigration plays a major role.
Even tipped workers, like servers, bartenders, and valets, will see a bump. Their base pay goes from $9.98 to $10.98 an hour, not including tips. It’s not perfect, but it’s better.
Meanwhile, the minimum wage in the United States hasn’t changed in over 15 years. It’s still $7.25 an hour, and that’s just not enough to live on. States like Florida are deciding not to wait around anymore.
The Florida Department of Labor is encouraging people to double-check their pay when the new rate kicks in. If your paycheck doesn’t match, you’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to demand better.
And that’s what this is really about: giving workers a fairer shot in a system that often makes life harder than it needs to be. This is labor policy that finally feels like it’s responding to real life.
A raise that reflects reality
Life is expensive. Food, rent, gas, school supplies—it all adds up. And with inflation chipping away at every paycheck, it’s hard to keep up.
That’s why this raise matters. It’s the fair choice. It puts more money into the hands of people who need it the most for paying for their basic needs. That spending also supports small businesses, which keeps the local economy moving.
Let’s not forget health impact: struggling with money is one of the biggest sources of stress for Americans. With a better salary comes a peace of mind. Less worrying about paying the duties, better mental health.
And here’s the smart part: once Florida hits $15 in 2026, future increases will automatically adjust with inflation. No more waiting for another vote. No more falling behind.
Some pushback, but this is no news
Not everyone’s happy, though. Business owners are worried about how this will affect their costs. Some even say they might have to cut hours or raise prices. And with Donald Trump and other politicians weighing in on the economy, it’s likely to become one more talking point in a bigger fight.
But we’ve seen this play out before, in other states, other cities. And most of the time? Raising wages doesn’t crash the system. It might take adjustment, but it doesn’t mean mass layoffs. In fact, businesses often find that paying people more leads to better work, more motivation, less turnover, less burnout and more stability.
But the main reason for this raise to be a fair thing to do is that people working these jobs have been underpaid for too long.
What you need to know if you work for minimum wage
If you’re working for minimum wage in Florida, check your pay starting September 30. If you’re in a tipped position, check your base rate. If something looks off, speak up. The Florida Department of Labor is there for a reason: to protect you.
This isn’t just about a number on a paycheck. It’s about being able to breathe a little easier. Maybe afford a doctor’s visit. Maybe not stress over rent this month. It’s about finally getting a little more of what you’ve always deserved.