If you live and work in Florida, get ready for a bump in your paycheck. On September 30, 2025, the state’s minimum wage will increase again, moving one step closer to the $15 per hour target set by voters in 2020. This change is part of a plan approved through a constitutional amendment that raises the minimum wage by $1 every year until it reaches $15 in 2026. After that, the wage will be adjusted based on inflation, so it keeps pace with the cost of living.
This is not just for a few workers—both tipped and non-tipped employees will see the change in their hourly pay. If you have been working hard just to keep up with bills, this boost should help take some of that pressure off.
How much will Florida’s minimum wage be in 2025
Starting September 30, 2025, here is how the new rates will look:
- Non-tipped workers: $14 per hour (up from $13)
- Tipped workers: $10.98 per hour (up from $9.98)
For tipped employees, the increase works alongside tips you receive. Your total earnings—wages plus tips—must still equal at least the state minimum.
However, there are some exceptions. According to Factorial, certain small businesses with annual sales under $110,000 may pay a lower rate of $4 per hour, but only if they are not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. State and local government employees also follow separate pay scales, which are often set through union agreements or other processes.
Why Florida workers will benefit from the increase
This pay raise is arriving at a time when many Floridians are struggling with higher prices for rent, groceries, transportation, and other daily needs. A higher minimum wage can:
- Increase your buying power – so you can afford more without stretching your paycheck to the limit.
- Bring more financial stability – making it easier to budget and plan for the future.
- Lower employee turnover – as higher wages encourage workers to stay longer with their employers.
- Protect income from inflation – after 2026, adjustments will be tied to inflation, keeping wages more in line with the actual cost of living.
When voters approved this plan in 2020, Orlando attorney John Morgan, who supported the measure, called it “a win for the people who work hard every day and deserve a fair wage.”
Which workers will reach $15 per hour and when
The $15 per hour goal is already written into Florida’s constitution, so you can count on it unless voters change it. Here is the timeline:
- September 30, 2024 – $13 per hour (already in place)
- September 30, 2025 – $14 per hour
- September 30, 2026 – $15 per hour
That means if you are earning minimum wage now, you are just one year away from hitting the $15 target.
What you should do if you are a minimum wage worker in Florida
With these changes coming, it is a good idea to:
- Check your pay stubs after September 30, 2025, to make sure the increase has been applied.
- Know your rights under Florida’s minimum wage law, especially if you are a tipped worker.
- Plan your budget to make the most of the extra income.
Even a one-dollar-per-hour increase can make a noticeable difference over time. For someone working 40 hours a week, that is about $160 more per month before taxes.
What does this mean for Florida workers
The September 2025 increase is not just another small adjustment—it is part of a clear path toward $15 per hour for millions of workers across the state. Whether you work in a restaurant, retail store, office, or other minimum wage job, this change means more money in your pocket and a little more breathing room in your budget.
