Florida minimum wage hits $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026

Florida’s minimum wage increased to $15 per hour on September 30, 2026, up from $14 per hour, according to HRMorning. The minimum cash wage for tipped employees also rose to $11.98 per hour, from $10.98 per hour.

The increase marked the final $1 annual increase required under a constitutional amendment that voters approved in 2020. Going forward, Florida will adjust its minimum wage for inflation rather than by a set dollar amount. The first such adjustment will be calculated in 2027 and take effect in 2028.

Final step of voter-approved schedule

The 2020 constitutional amendment set a schedule of annual $1 increases until the minimum wage reached $15 per hour. The September 30, 2026, increase completed that schedule. HRMorning noted that the tipped employee cash wage rose by $1 as well, reaching $11.98 per hour.

After this final scheduled increase, future changes will be tied to inflation. According to HRMorning, the first inflation-based adjustment will be calculated in 2027 and will take effect in 2028.

What this means for payroll teams

Employers should update payroll systems and wage-rate tables to reflect the new statewide rates. HRMorning reported that the Florida Department of Commerce has issued information about the new minimum wage. Payroll administrators must ensure that all non-exempt employees are paid at least $15 per hour for all hours worked, and that tipped employees receive a cash wage of at least $11.98 per hour, with tips making up the difference to the full minimum wage.

Payroll teams should also review timekeeping and tip credit calculations to avoid underpayments. Since the tipped minimum cash wage increased, employers who use a tip credit must adjust their calculations accordingly. Failure to update systems promptly could result in wage underpayments and potential legal exposure.

Preparing for inflation-based adjustments

With the end of the fixed dollar increases, Florida employers will need to monitor annual inflation adjustments. The first adjustment will be calculated in 2027 and take effect in 2028. HRMorning advised that employers should stay informed about the state’s annual calculation process.

Because the adjustment will be based on inflation, the exact amount of future increases is not known in advance. Payroll and HR teams should plan for annual updates to wage rates and budget accordingly. The Florida Department of Commerce is the state agency responsible for providing information on the minimum wage.

Compliance considerations for HR

HR departments should communicate the new rates to employees and managers, especially in industries with tipped workers such as restaurants and hospitality. The increase to $11.98 per hour for tipped employees is significant and may affect labor costs and scheduling decisions.

Employers with locations in multiple states should remember that local minimum wage rates may be higher than the state rate. Rules vary by jurisdiction, so HR teams should verify applicable rates for each work location. The Florida minimum wage applies to all employees in the state unless a higher local rate applies.

Sources: HRMorning