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Florida’s minimum wage is increasing again. Mark your calendar, because this fall, the state rate will reach $15.00 per hour. This is the final step in a schedule Florida voters approved back in 2020, and it affects most non-exempt employees across the state.
For business owners, a wage change is a good reason to check that payroll, pay rates, and records are ready before the date arrives. A little preparation now keeps the transition smooth for you and your team.
At PER, we help guide small and mid-sized businesses to stay ahead of changes like this one, so continue reading to see what to review and how we can support you along the way.
Florida’s minimum wage reaches $15 on September 30th 2026
Here are the key numbers to know:
The $15.00 rate is the last scheduled $1.00 increase. After 2026, Florida will adjust the minimum wage each year based on inflation, with the new rate announced by the Florida Department of Commerce.
Update your payroll system
You will need to ensure your payroll reflects the $15.00 rate for hours worked on or after September 30th. If the increase occurs mid-pay period, ensure you apply the correct rate to the hours worked before and after the change. Confirming this early means the first affected paycheck is right the first time.
Related resource:
Three Perks to Partnering With a PEO for Small Business Payroll Services
Check every employee’s pay rate
Review your full roster. Most employees currently earning below $15.00 per hour need to move up to at least the new minimum. It is also worth looking at employees who sit just above the line. When entry-level pay rises, adjusting nearby rates can help you keep fair and consistent pay across your team.
Adjust tipped wage calculations
If you run a restaurant, cafe, bar, or any business, the tipped rules apply. The direct cash wage for tipped employees rises to $11.98 per hour, and the $3.02 tip credit stays the same. The key rule does not change: an employee’s cash wage plus tips must reach at least the full $15.00 minimum for every hour worked. If tips fall short in a given period, you make up the difference.
Keep accurate records
Clear records make wage changes simple. Keep accurate records of hours worked, pay rates, and tips for each employee. Good recordkeeping keeps the transition organized and gives you confidence that everyone is paid correctly.
Stay on top of compliance
Florida requires employers to display an official minimum wage poster in a location where employees can easily see it. The Florida Department of Commerce publishes an updated poster each year, so plan to post the current version ahead of the September 30th change. Staying current on these small requirements keeps compliance from becoming a last-minute task. [1]
Learn more:
HR Compliance Myths vs. Facts: Where Businesses Get It Wrong and Why It Matters
The wage will continue to rise
The $15.00 rate is not the end of it. After 2026, Florida ties future minimum wage adjustments to inflation and announces the new rate annually. Building a simple habit of reviewing pay each year keeps your business ready for the next change without any scramble.
Here’s how we can help you prepare
You do not have to manage this change on your own. As a Certified Professional Employer Organization, PER partners with you to make wage updates straightforward while you stay fully in control of your business.
The minimum wage increase is a routine change when you have the right partner. If you want help getting your payroll and HR ready for September 30th, 2026, PER is here to support you. Reach out to learn how we can help your business prepare.
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Contact us today!
1: Florida Commerce | Florida’s Minimum Wage
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