If you’ve been living in Florida for more than a few minutes, you know the weather is unpredictable, but the paychecks are actually on a very strict schedule. People always ask: when does florida minimum wage go up? Usually, they expect a New Year's Day answer.
They’re wrong.
Florida doesn't do the January 1st thing like most other states. Instead, the state waits until the humidity is at its peak and the school year is in full swing.
The Magic Date You Need to Circle
The Florida minimum wage goes up every year on September 30.
It’s been this way since 2021. This isn't just a random choice by the governor or a whim of the legislature. Voters actually went to the polls in November 2020 and passed Amendment 2, which baked a gradual pay raise right into the state constitution.
Currently, as we sit in early 2026, the rate is $14.00 per hour. But that changes soon.
On September 30, 2026, the Florida minimum wage will hit the big milestone: $15.00 per hour.
For tipped workers—the folks running your coffee or bringing out the gator tail—the math is a little different. Employers in Florida can take a "tip credit" of $3.02. This means as of right now, tipped employees make a base of $10.98. When that September deadline hits, their base pay jumps to **$11.98 per hour**.
Why the September 30th Deadline Matters So Much
Most people are used to federal changes or other states that kick off their new laws with the ball drop in Times Square. Florida’s choice of September 30 is actually tied to the state's fiscal planning, but for the average worker, it feels like a random Tuesday in the fall.
If you're a business owner, this date is a trap.
Honestly, it’s easy to forget. You’re dealing with the end of Q3, maybe prepping for the holiday rush, and suddenly you realize your payroll software is behind. If you don't update those numbers by October 1, you’re looking at back-pay headaches and potential Department of Commerce audits.
The Roadmap to $15 and Beyond
We aren't just guessing these numbers. The schedule is set in stone until we hit that $15 mark. Here is how we got here and where we are going:
- September 30, 2024: It hit $13.00.
- September 30, 2025: It jumped to $14.00.
- September 30, 2026: The final $1.00 leap to $15.00.
After 2026, things get "sorta" complicated but in a good way for workers. The state stops using flat $1 increases. Instead, starting in 2027, the Florida Department of Commerce will look at the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Specifically, they look at the CPI-W, which tracks inflation for urban wage earners.
If the cost of eggs and rent goes up, the minimum wage follows. Those inflation-adjusted raises will actually move to a January 1 effective date starting in 2028.
So, for the next few months, keep your eyes on September. After that, we join the rest of the country in the New Year's tradition.
What Businesses Are Actually Feeling
There’s a lot of talk from groups like Florida TaxWatch and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) about how these hikes might hurt. They point to the "compression" issue.
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Think about it. If you have a shift lead who has worked for you for three years and makes $16 an hour, they’re suddenly only making $1 more than the brand-new hire who walked in today for $15. That lead is going to want a raise too. It creates a ripple effect.
But then you have the other side. Experts like Holly Sklar from Business for a Fair Minimum Wage argue that when people have more money, they spend it at the local pharmacy or the taco stand down the street. It’s a cycle. Plus, higher wages usually mean people don't quit as often. Replacing a worker in Florida’s current job market is expensive. Sometimes it’s cheaper to just pay the extra buck an hour than to spend two weeks interviewing and training someone new.
Staying Legal: The Poster Rule
You’ve seen them. Those giant, laminated posters in the breakroom with tiny text that nobody reads? They are actually legally required.
Every time the wage moves, the Florida Department of Commerce releases a new version. You have to post it in English, Spanish, and Creole if you have employees who speak those languages. If you don't have the updated 2026 poster up by the time the wage hits $15, you’re technically out of compliance.
Practical Next Steps for Floridians
If you’re an employee, check your pay stub during the first week of October 2026. If it doesn't show that $15.00 (or $11.98 for tipped staff), you need to have a chat with HR.
If you're an employer, do these three things now:
- Audit your payroll budget for the Q4 2026 shift. That extra dollar per hour adds up when you factor in payroll taxes and workers' comp.
- Review your mid-level salaries. Address that "wage compression" before your best employees start looking for the exit.
- Download the new posters. They usually hit the FloridaJobs.org website a few weeks before the deadline.
The transition to a $15 minimum wage is a massive shift for the Sunshine State's economy. It’s been a long road since voters first said "yes" to Amendment 2, and we are finally approaching the finish line of the scheduled increases. From here on out, it’s all about keeping up with inflation and making sure the local economy can handle the new floor.
Actionable Insight: Ensure your payroll systems are set to automatically trigger the increase on September 30, 2026, to avoid manual entry errors. If you are an employee, verify your hourly rate on the pay period covering October 1st to ensure the $15.00 minimum has been applied.