Have you heard the latest important news for Florida workers? The minimum wage in Florida is going up in 2019. This development will boost the wages of many employees in hospitality, retail, restaurants, and other industries.

Here is what you need to know:

The Change in the Minimum Wage in Florida

Currently, the minimum wage in Florida is $8.25/hour. Employees who receive tips are making $5.23/hr. But the Florida minimum wage in 2019 is going up 21 cents. What that means to workers is that you should keep a close eye on your paycheck and make sure that your employer is following the new law and the increase in the minimum wage rate.

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO), if you are currently earning minimum wage, you should see the hourly rate increase to:

• $8.46/hour
• $5.44/hour (tipped workers)

Know Your Rights to Fair Wages

It is not uncommon for employers to try to increase their profits by not paying employees a fair wage. It happens all the time — not only in Florida but across the country too. Know you have the right to earn a fair wage. You also have the right to hold your employer accountable for paying you and your co-workers the correct minimum wage in Florida.

But also know that not all employers have to follow minimum wage laws enforced by the Florida Department of Labor. Many employees of smaller businesses (with gross revenue of less than $500,000 per year) are not covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) — typically referenced as “enterprise” coverage. There are some exceptions when it comes to being covered under the minimum wage law. Since there is a broad, liberal interpretation of the FLSA, employees of small businesses can often be covered under an “individual” status.

We know that employment law can often be confusing to workers, but the attorneys at Wenzel Fenton Cabassa P.A. are here to help. We fight for the rights of employees across Florida every day — including those seeking fair compensation with the minimum wage in Florida. Our attorneys have vast experience in employee rights and employment law and have helped thousands of people just like you to hold employers accountable to the full extent of the law.

Moving Forward in 2019

Take action in 2019 to make sure you are earning what you deserve under the law. If you are currently earning minimum wage, watch your paycheck closely to see if you get the raise in your check. If your employer does not comply with the changes to Florida minimum wage in 2019, contact Wenzel Fenton Cabassa P.A.

Our firm works with minimum wage disputes, as well as other comprehensive areas of employment law including Discrimination, Wrongful Termination, Unpaid Overtime, violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and more.

We offer free consultations to discuss your situation. When employees want workplace justice, they call us. We’re the employee’s law firm— a tireless legal team fighting for your rights.

Please Note: At the time this article was written, the information contained within it was current based on the prevailing law at the time. Laws and precedents are subject to change, so this information may not be up to date. Always speak with a law firm regarding any legal situation to get the most current information available.