Florida became the 8th state to pass a $15 minimum wage with a supermajority of Floridians voting yes to Amendment 2 on Tuesday night.
The minimum wage will gradually raise over the next five years. Currently the minimum wage in Florida is $8.56 an hour and now that Amendment 2 has passed, it will increase to $10 an hour next September.
It will then increase a dollar an hour until it reaches $15 in 2026.
- $10.00 September 2021
- $11.00 September 2022
- $12.00 September 2023
- $13.00 September 2024
- $14.00 September 2025
- $15.00 September 2026
The amendment was funded at the ballot by millionaire trial lawyer John Morgan. Some small business owners and workers have expressed concerns and believe the initiative will kill jobs, cut hours and close businesses.
"Given the devastating impacts COVID-19 has already had on Florida's economy, we are extremely worried about the job losses and business closures that will accompany this mandate," said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
The state warned in the amendment that government costs will increase by half a billion by 2027.
