Minimum Wage Increases Friday

The last of a three-phase increase in the federal minimum wage will go into effect on July 24, 2009. The base pay level of $7.25 an hour replaces Florida’s current minimum wage of $7.21 an hour.

While 4 cents may not seem like a lot to Florida workers, the hike is an 11 percent increase from the $6.55 an hour that was mandated by federal law.

The state’s minimum wage was raised to $7.21 in January from $6.79 in 2008.

The minimum wage applies to all employees who are eligible, and is different for employees who work off of tips.

Florida’s current rate for those in the latter category – $4.19 an hour plus tips – will increase to $4.23 on Friday.

State law requires the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation to calculate a new minimum wage each year and publish it on Jan. 1.

Employees who are entitled to receive minimum wage, but are not paid the minimum wage, can sue their employers for violating Florida's minimum wage law.

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal