Applies to: Every employer with employees who work in Florida. This is a 🌞 Florida-specific update.
On September 30, 2026, Florida's minimum wage reaches $15.00 per hour — the final scheduled increase under a constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters in 2020. This is the last "automatic" increase. After 2026, any further changes will be tied to inflation and the Consumer Price Index.
If you employ hourly workers in Florida, here's exactly what's changing and what you need to do.
The Complete Florida Minimum Wage Timeline
| Effective Date | Regular Rate | Tipped Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 30, 2021 | $10.00 | $6.98 |
| Sept 30, 2022 | $11.00 | $7.98 |
| Sept 30, 2023 | $12.00 | $8.98 |
| Sept 30, 2024 | $13.00 | $9.98 |
| Sept 30, 2025 | $14.00 | $10.98 |
| Sept 30, 2026 | $15.00 | $11.98 |
⚠️ Note the date: Florida's minimum wage increases take effect on September 30, not January 1 like most states. Make sure your payroll system is updated for the pay period that includes this date.
What Employers Need to Do Before September 30
1. Audit Current Pay Rates
Identify every employee currently earning between $14.00 and $14.99 per hour. These employees must be raised to $15.00 effective September 30. Also review salaried employees to ensure they still meet the salary threshold for overtime exemptions.
2. Update Tipped Employee Calculations
Florida's tip credit remains at $3.02 per hour. This means tipped employees must receive a cash wage of at least $11.98/hour starting September 30. Employers must ensure the total of cash wage plus tips equals at least $15.00/hour for every hour worked. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
3. Update Job Postings
Any job listing advertising a pay rate below $15.00/hour should be updated before September 30. This includes online job boards, Indeed, LinkedIn postings, and internal career pages.
4. Update Workplace Posters
Florida law requires employers to display the current minimum wage poster in a conspicuous location. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will release the updated poster — make sure it's posted by September 30.
5. Update Your Payroll System
Your payroll platform should automatically update minimum wage rates on the effective date. If you use iSolved, this happens automatically. If you process payroll manually or use a basic platform, you must update rates yourself.
Florida's Reemployment Tax (Unemployment) for 2026
Florida doesn't call it "unemployment tax" — it's Reemployment Tax. Here are the 2026 rates:
| Detail | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum rate | 0.1% ($7/employee) |
| Maximum rate | 5.4% ($378/employee) |
| New employer rate | 2.7% |
| Taxable wage base | $7,000/employee/year |
| % of employers at minimum | ~65% (11th consecutive year) |
Workers' Compensation: Rates Drop Again
Effective January 1, 2026, Florida approved a 6.9% decrease in workers' compensation premiums — the ninth consecutive year of reductions. This is good news for employers, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and hospitality where workers' comp is a significant expense.
However, claims are facing increased scrutiny. Employers should ensure they have strong documentation practices, clearly defined work restrictions, and are using authorized medical providers.
Other Florida Employer Updates for 2026
No State Income Tax
Florida remains one of nine states with no personal income tax. Employers do not withhold state income tax from Florida employee paychecks. However, you still must handle federal withholding, FICA, and Florida Reemployment Tax.
Non-Compete Agreements
Florida continues to strictly enforce non-compete agreements. The CHOICE Act, effective July 2025, expanded protections for restrictive covenants. If you have non-compete clauses in employment agreements, they remain enforceable under Florida law.
Employer Homebuying Tax Credit
Proposed legislation (HB 311/SB 1672) would allow employers to receive a tax credit for contributing up to $5,000 per employee toward homebuying expenses. This would be creditable against corporate income or insurance premium taxes. This is still under consideration in the 2026 session.
OBBBA Changes Apply to Florida Employers
Even though Florida has no state income tax, the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes still affect Florida employers. You must track and report qualified overtime and tip deductions on 2026 W-2 forms using new Box 12 codes. Read our OBBBA guide for details.
✅ iSolved handles all of this. Minimum wage rate updates, reemployment tax calculations, workers' comp integration, and OBBBA W-2 reporting — it's all automated in iSolved People Cloud. As a BlueWave HR client, these updates happen seamlessly. No manual work required.
After $15: What Comes Next?
The $15.00 rate is the final step in the schedule set by Amendment 2. Starting in 2027, Florida's minimum wage will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The new rate will be announced by September 30 of each prior year. Expect smaller, inflation-based increases rather than the $1/year jumps we've seen since 2021.
FAQ
What is Florida's minimum wage in 2026?
$14.00/hour through September 29, 2026. Then $15.00/hour starting September 30, 2026. The tipped minimum wage increases from $10.98 to $11.98 on the same date.
When does Florida's $15 minimum wage take effect?
September 30, 2026. Note: Florida's minimum wage increases take effect on September 30, not January 1.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida does not have a state personal income tax. Employers only withhold federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Florida Reemployment Tax.
What is Florida's reemployment tax rate for 2026?
The minimum rate is 0.1% ($7/employee), and approximately 65% of Florida employers qualify for this rate. The maximum is 5.4% ($378/employee). New employers are assigned 2.7%.
Florida Employer? Let Us Handle Your Payroll Compliance.
BlueWave HR serves businesses across South Florida — from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. With 10 years in business and iSolved's automated compliance engine, we make Florida payroll effortless.
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